1. This document outlines various sociological perspectives on defining and measuring poverty, as well as explanations for its causes. Cultural explanations such as the "culture of poverty" theory blame individual behaviors and values for poverty, while structural explanations cite wider societal factors. 2. Absolute definitions refer to a lack of basic needs, while relative definitions compare individuals to the overall society. Measuring poverty involves indices of deprivation. Those most at risk include women, children, ethnic minorities, the elderly, unemployed, disabled, working class, and lone parents. 3. Explanations for the persistence of poverty include the culture of poverty theory, Murray's underclass theory, Marxist views of capitalism, the social democratic perspective of inadequate benefits