Read Item G below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 11 - 2017 - Paper 2

Subjectivity in Material Lists: One significant difficulty sociologists face is the subjectivity inherent in the lists of items that define relative poverty. Different cultures and communities may have varying perceptions of what constitutes essential resources. For instance, in some societies, access to a car might be deemed necessary for a decent lifestyle, while in others, it may not be perceived as essential. This variability complicates the measurement of relative poverty, as sociologists must navigate these differing standards to create a universally applicable framework.

Dynamic Nature of Poverty: Another challenge is the dynamic nature of poverty itself, which can change over time and across different socio-economic contexts. What is considered a necessary item today might not hold the same relevance in future or may evolve with technological advancements. For example, the rise of smartphones has changed the social landscape, making internet access increasingly essential. As a result, sociologists struggle to keep their assessment tools updated to reflect current societal norms and expectations, potentially leading to inaccurate measurements.