This article, drawing references from popular theories of social exclusion, capability and civil rights, develops a concept—the poverty of social rights—in the causal analysis of poverty. The author believes that deficiency of economic resources and working capability are not the only reasons for urban poverty, in fact, the lack of social rights on the part of the disadvantaged sectors of society constitutes simultaneously the cause and consequence of urban poverty. The article defines the concept of poverty of social rights and its characteristics, and analyzes its China phenomenon. In the end the article poses several options and remedies for China's poverty-relief efforts through designing and implementing a Chinese-style affirmative action.