I agree with Dot....I don't know what poverty is, as i have never experienced it.
Let us keep to the groups of working class, middle class and upper class, in which case we were at the lower end of working class.
Grandad was a labourer on the railway he worked shifts to bring in a wage, a devout union man. Grandma kept the house, cooked the meals, cleaned and received her "housekeeping" once a week.
We couldn't afford to send me on school trips as i had to go potato picking to earn money for the home, a paper round for my own pocket money. Never could afford underpants for me and my shirts were bought from the Army and Navy stores and itched like hell.
One holiday a year, paid for by Grandads privileged tickets (Pass) walked 2miles to the railway station, day trip to Skegness and a walk back in the evening home, whilst other people were taking taxis.
Scholarship to Grammar School and was given vouchers for the uniform and school meals.Was embarrased when i got into the 1st Rugby team and grandad came in a flat cap muffler and his best suit, grandma followed behind to watch me play.
Was that POVERTY?........NO!.......that was a privileged upbringing.
Today's children have unrealistic levels of achievement without effort or sacrifice.........which era has the worse poverty?
No idea, as i have never experienced or indeed fully understood the concept in a developed world country.