As an expert in social economics, I would like to address the question of how much money one needs to be considered poor. It's a complex issue that involves various factors such as geographical location, the cost of living, family size, and the specific needs of individuals. The concept of poverty is not merely about the amount of money one has, but also about the ability to meet basic needs and maintain a certain standard of living.
In the United States, the poverty line is a measure used to determine who is eligible for certain government assistance programs. It's important to note that the poverty line is not a definitive measure of poverty but rather a tool used by policymakers. The figure provided for a family of four in 2012 was $23,050, which was based on the cost of food. This is calculated by determining the annual food expenses for a family of that size and then tripling it, under the assumption that food costs represent a third of a family's minimum needs.
However, using the cost of food as a proxy for overall poverty is an oversimplification. The actual cost of living varies greatly across different regions. For instance, a family living in a high-cost area like New York City or San Francisco would struggle to meet basic needs on the same income that might suffice in a lower-cost area. Additionally, the cost of housing, healthcare, education, and transportation must be considered.
Moreover, the poverty line does not account for the quality of life beyond the basic necessities. It does not include factors such as access to quality education, healthcare, and the ability to participate in social and cultural activities, which are essential for a fulfilling life.
Internationally, poverty is often measured by the World Bank using an international poverty line, which is currently set at $1.90 per person per day. This figure is adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP) to account for differences in the cost of living across countries. However, even this measure is criticized for being too low and not reflective of the actual living standards in many parts of the world.
It's also worth mentioning that poverty is a relative concept. In some societies, being considered poor might mean lacking access to modern conveniences that are taken for granted in others. The United Nations and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have developed other measures of poverty that include social and economic dimensions beyond income.
In conclusion, defining how much money one needs to be considered poor is not a straightforward task. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the various dimensions of poverty, including income, access to services, and the overall quality of life. Policymakers, NGOs, and international organizations continue to refine these measures to better address the complex issue of poverty.

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In 2012, the federal government set the poverty line for a family of four at $23,050. The figure is based on food costs -- the government identifies how much it should cost to feed a family of four for one year and then multiplies that number by three.read more >>