Relative poverty refers to the measurement of poverty based on the distribution of income or consumption expenditure within a society. It is a concept that takes into account the economic inequality present in a country or region. In contrast to absolute poverty, which focuses on the basic needs and survival of individuals, relative poverty considers the standard of living in comparison to others in society.

Explanation:

1. Definition of Relative Poverty:
- Relative poverty is a measure of poverty that takes into account the distribution of income or consumption expenditure within a society.
- It compares the living standards of individuals or households to the average or median income or expenditure in a given population.

2. Comparison with Absolute Poverty:
- Absolute poverty is a measure of poverty that focuses on the basic needs and survival of individuals.
- It sets a minimum threshold below which individuals or households are considered to be in poverty.
- Relative poverty, on the other hand, looks at the standard of living in relation to others in society and considers the income or consumption levels relative to the average or median.

3. Understanding Relative Poverty:
- Relative poverty recognizes that poverty is not solely determined by the lack of basic necessities, but also by the social context and inequality within a society.
- It acknowledges that even if individuals or households have their basic needs met, they may still experience poverty if they are significantly worse off compared to others in terms of income or consumption.

4. Measurement and Indicators of Relative Poverty:
- Relative poverty is measured using various indicators, such as the Gini coefficient, which measures income inequality within a population.
- Other indicators include the poverty gap ratio, which measures the average shortfall of individuals or households below the poverty line, and the at-risk-of-poverty rate, which measures the percentage of individuals or households with income or consumption below a certain threshold.

5. Policy Implications:
- The measurement of relative poverty helps policymakers understand the extent of income inequality within a society.
- It provides insights into the distribution of resources and can inform policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social justice.

In conclusion, relative poverty is a concept that relates to the distribution of income or consumption expenditure within a society. It considers the standard of living in relation to others in society and helps policymakers understand income inequality and develop appropriate interventions.