Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R):

Assertion (A): Sociologists usually distinguish between absolute and relative poverty.
Reason (R): In developed countries, with established welfare systems, absolute poverty is rare.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

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Correct option is B

Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).

• Assertion (A) is correct: Sociologists do indeed make a distinction between absolute poverty and relative poverty. Absolute poverty refers to a condition where an individual lacks the minimum necessary resources to maintain basic life standards (e.g., food, shelter, clothing). Relative poverty, on the other hand, is a condition where individuals are considered poor in comparison to others in society, often determined by social norms and economic disparities.

• Reason (R) is also correct: In developed countries, due to the presence of established welfare systems (e.g., social security, healthcare, and unemployment benefits), absolute poverty is less common. These systems provide a safety net to the population, thus reducing the incidence of absolute poverty.

However, Reason (R) does not explain Assertion (A). While both statements are true, the reason that absolute poverty is rare in developed countries due to welfare systems does not directly explain the sociological distinction between absolute and relative poverty. The two concepts are distinguished based on the nature of poverty (absolute vs. relative), not based on welfare systems or economic development.

Information Booster:

1. Absolute poverty is a severe condition where basic necessities for survival are lacking, often used as a global poverty line (e.g., living on less than $1.90 per day, as per World Bank standards).

2. Relative poverty refers to being unable to achieve a standard of living that is considered acceptable in a specific society, thus it varies across different societies and over time.

3. In developed countries, welfare systems like unemployment benefits, health insurance, and food assistance programs reduce the levels of absolute poverty.

4. The distinction between absolute and relative poverty allows sociologists to better understand how poverty affects individuals and groups differently across societies.

5. Relative poverty is more common in wealthier countries, where disparities in income and resources can lead to social exclusion despite basic survival needs being met.

6. Welfare systems in developed countries are key tools in alleviating poverty, though they may not fully address the social inequalities that cause relative poverty.

Additional Information:

• Absolute poverty typically involves a lack of resources for basic survival, while relative poverty is more about social inequality and the individual's standing in society.

• The distinction is important in understanding poverty's impact on health, education, and overall well-being.

• Welfare systems aim to reduce the impact of absolute poverty but are less focused on addressing relative poverty, which often remains prevalent even in wealthier societies.