Final answer:
The poverty line is a threshold that separates the poor from the non-poor. It is based on income or consumption levels and helps determine the number of people living in poverty. The federal poverty line (FPL) is the official measure of poverty in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'poverty line' refers to a threshold or boundary that separates the poor from the non-poor. It is a measure used to determine the number of people living in poverty and is usually based on income or consumption levels.
In the United States, the federal poverty line (FPL) is used as the official measure of poverty. The FPL is determined by calculating the minimum income required to meet basic needs, such as food, housing, and healthcare, and is adjusted annually for inflation.
For example, in 2023, a family of four in the US would be considered 'in poverty' if their income was below $30,000. This threshold helps policymakers and researchers assess the extent of poverty in the country and develop targeted interventions to alleviate it.