Which among the following is/are NOT a social indicator of poverty?

Question

Which among the following is/are NOT a social indicator of poverty?

1. Illiteracy

2. Safe drinking water

3. Job opportunities

4. Size of the house

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. A. 1 and 2
2. B. Only 4 (Correct answer)
3. C. 3 and 4
4. D. Only 1

Correct Answer

Option B — Only 4

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Only 4.

Key Points

• Social indicators of poverty measure deprivation in access to basic services and capabilities — typically illiteracy, lack of safe drinking water, lack of access to healthcare and sanitation, and lack of job opportunities.
• 4. Size of the house is NOT a social indicator of poverty — it is a measure of physical assets or housing condition rather than a social indicator. Hence option (b).
• 1. Illiteracy ✓, 2. Safe drinking water ✓ and 3. Job opportunities ✓ are all standard social indicators.

Additional Information

• Poverty analysis distinguishes income poverty (measured against the poverty line) from capability poverty — the approach associated with Amartya Sen, which looks at what people are actually able to do and be.
• Social exclusion and vulnerability are two further dimensions emphasised in NCERT treatment: exclusion means being denied the facilities others enjoy, and vulnerability measures the greater probability of certain communities becoming or remaining poor.
• India's Multidimensional Poverty Index (NITI Aayog) uses 12 indicators across health, education and standard of living, following the UNDP-OPHI global MPI methodology.