Prelims 2022 · CSAT / Reading Comprehension · Question 14
What does the author mean by 'poverty of a life'?
Answer
All deprivations in a human life which stem not only from lack of income but lack of real opportunities
- (a) Correct. This reflects the capability approach: poverty is deprivation of a life one has reason to value, caused not just by low income but by lack of real opportunities and freedoms.
- (b) Incorrect. It reduces poverty to the condition of poor people in rural/urban areas, not the broader idea of deprivation in human capabilities.
- (c) Incorrect. “Missed opportunities” is too vague and partial; it does not capture structural deprivation of capabilities and freedoms.
- (d) Incorrect. It is closer than others, but “restrict human choices permanently” is too absolute; poverty need not be permanent to qualify as deprivation of capabilities.
Answer: (a)