Sociology of Poverty: A conceptual discussion and empirical realities

Abstract

This article explores the multidimensional nature of poverty from a sociological perspective, contrasting theoretical definitions with empirical realities. While the monetary approach remains the dominant global and national measured, identifying poverty through income and consumption thresholds, this article argues it is insufficient to capture the lived experience of the poor. The paper reviews four primary approaches to measuring poverty: monetary, social exclusion, capability, and participation. The study examines how official statistics often overlook social and structural factors. A qualitative case study is used to demonstrate the gap between statistical non poverty and the reality of deprivation. Despite earning above the national poverty line, the subject faces severe hardships, including social exclusion due to inter-caste marriage and a lack of "capabilities" in health and quality education. The article concludes that poverty reduction policies must move beyond narrow monetary indicators to address the root causes of social, political, and cultural power relations that perpetuate inequality.