What does "subsistence" refer to?

The term "subsistence" specifically refers to the minimum resources needed to sustain life. This concept often relates to basic survival needs such as food, water, shelter, and other essentials that allow individuals or communities to live at a fundamental level. In the context of economic and social discussions, subsistence often contrasts with surplus or abundance, emphasizing the bare necessities rather than any excess that might enhance quality of life or provide comfort. This understanding of subsistence is important in fields such as anthropology, economics, and environmental studies, where the focus is often on how communities meet their basic needs under varying conditions.