What term is commonly used by sociologists to describe individuals who lack the resources that are available to most people in society?

Sociologists distinguish between two main types of poverty. Absolute poverty (or destitution) is a lack of the basic resources needed to maintain physical health and survival, such as food, clean water, and shelter. Relative poverty is defined by comparing a person's standard of living to that of the majority in their society. Someone in relative poverty may have basic necessities but cannot afford the goods and services necessary to participate fully in that society (e.g., cannot afford a winter coat, a school trip for their child, or to replace broken electrical goods).