What term is used to describe the relative standard of deprivation for those at the bottom of society?

The term "relative poverty" accurately describes the condition of individuals or groups who experience a standard of living that is significantly lower than that of the broader society in which they live. It emphasizes the social context of poverty, highlighting that poverty is not only about the lack of basic necessities but also about one's economic standing in relation to others. This understanding focuses on the differences in living standards and access to resources between the wealthy and the poor within a specific society.

For example, a person may be deemed to be in relative poverty if they cannot afford the same lifestyle as the majority of people in their community, such as participating in social activities, accessing education, or having adequate housing and healthcare. This concept is particularly important in discussions around social inequality, as it helps illustrate how poverty is influenced by societal wealth distribution.

In contrast, absolute poverty refers to a situation where individuals lack the basic necessities for survival, such as food, clean water, and shelter, regardless of the societal context. Relative inequality and comparative disadvantage are broader concepts that may discuss disparities but do not specifically zero in on the relative standards of poverty as experienced by those at the bottom of the economic spectrum.