What is absolute poverty?

Absolute poverty is characterized by a lack of sufficient access to essential resources necessary for basic survival, such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. This concept is distinct from relative poverty, which considers an individual's resources in comparison to others within a society.

Option B emphasizes that absolute poverty involves not just a lack of wealth but a failure to meet fundamental human needs, which aligns with the definition of absolute poverty as a condition where individuals cannot secure the basic necessities of life. This measure is often used in global poverty assessments and remains a critical aspect in discussions about humanitarian aid and social policy, as it deals directly with the survival and well-being of individuals.

Other options, while discussing various aspects of poverty, do not capture the essence of absolute poverty as effectively as the correct option. Specifically, the mention of material wealth in option A reflects a relative perspective, whereas the socioeconomic class focus in option C also does not address the immediacy of survival needs. Option D's reference to generalized economic hardship lacks the specificity required to define absolute poverty accurately.