SOC 3391 Lecture Notes - Nuclear Family, Fatalism, Middle Ages
Document Summary
Tense debate over if the definition should be absolute or relative. Absolute tends to focus on economic yard sticks. Relative looks at people compared to other people. Ex. anyone who makes less than 20 000/yr is in poverty. Not interested in absolute cutoff points but whether this person can lead a decent life given what a person makes and the resources they have. B/c if you can capture the definition of poverty and get people to agree, this can influence political decisions. If someone owns a factory or office, they own that enterprise and they have property rights over it. Have to have fair hiring laws and fair laws of promotion. Therefore, ownership of property is subject to limitations. In 19th century employers would do what they wanted. Can consult lawyer who specializes in unjust firing. Take from the rich and give to the poor. Conflict theorists say poverty is due to capitalism.