"Poverty, like any other social phenomena, survives because it is 'useful to society or some of its parts". Discuss.

While modern economists explain poverty in absolute terms by conceptualizing 'income and poverty line', Karl Marx had explained the concept of relative poverty.

Traditionally the ruling class explained poverty by invoking the 'Divine Theory' which would lead people to accept their destiny.

Marx however highlighted that poverty serves to keep the bourgeoisie (capitalist) class functioning as they corners the surplus profits.

The capitalist class strives to maintain the existing social setup as they get access to cheap labour.

Even in a globalized world, developed countries benefit from poor developing countries as they get access to raw material and a ready market for the surplus goods produced in the developed countries.