subsistence level
[səbˈsɪstəns ˈlɛvəl]
nounpl: subsistence levels
nível de subsistência
1. The minimum income or resources required to maintain basic human needs such as food, shelter, and clothing; the poverty line
Many families in rural areas live at subsistence level, struggling to afford basic necessities.
Muitas famílias nas áreas rurais vivem no nível de subsistência, lutando para pagar necessidades básicas.
2. A standard of living with only the bare essentials for survival
The wages were so low that workers could only exist at subsistence level.
Os salários eram tão baixos que os trabalhadores podiam apenas existir no nível de subsistência.
3. The threshold below which a person is considered to be living in absolute poverty
Government programs aim to lift families above subsistence level.
Os programas governamentais visam elevar as famílias acima do nível de subsistência.
In Brazil, discussions of subsistence level are particularly relevant given income inequality and regional disparities. The term is frequently used in social policy debates and by NGOs working with vulnerable populations. The concept relates to Brazil's minimum wage laws and social assistance programs like Bolsa Família. In the United States, similar discussions center around the federal poverty line and living wage debates.
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