Poverty and Life Chances Quiz

Which theories explain inequality and poverty as part of the 'natural order' as society is hierarchical. People with skills, talents and abilities are better rewarded than those without?

• Marxism

• Functionalism

• Feminism

• New Right

Answer explanation

1.                   Functionalism and New Right Theorists, on the right of politics (functionalists) may explain inequality as part of the 'natural order' as society is hierarchical. People with skills, talents and abilities are better rewarded than those without (Individualist).

Individuals should take primary responsibility. This means people should aim to make their own provision wherever possible in terms of housing, healthcare, education and retirement. Individualists argue the government does not have the resources to provide for all groups and that extended state support encourages dependency.

Functionalism and New Right take an 'individualists' approach. What are their key arguments?

• People should aim to make their own provision

• The state should ensure everyone is provided for

• The government does not have the resources to provide for all groups

• extended state support encourages dependence

New Right has been very influencial in the UK political system. Which of the following politicians could be described as being signifcantly influenced New Right?

• Margaret Thatcher

• Suella Braverman

• Jeremy Corbyn

• Liz Truss

Answer explanation

The 1980s saw the beginning of the major changes aimed at reducing the welfare state - support for all members of society from the cradle o the grave. This was influenced by the New Right (also known as Neo-Liberalism), initially under Margaret Thatcher’s conservative government, although the government did prevent her from following all of her initial plans. Since then, even Labout Governments have reduced some government direct involvement with supporting citizens.

The policy of austerity, introduced and continued by the conservative governments since 2010, has created a significant shift in the pace, direction and character of welfare reform. These have again followed many of the principles of New Right, who belief the welfare state causes poverty.

The effects of these changes are debated. With an election looming in Dec 2024, these policies could shift again.

The lowest monetary amount an individual can be paid, per hour's work, was first set in 1998. Which of the following is legally enforceable today?

• The Real Living Wage

• The Minimum Wage

• The National Living Wage

• Universal Basic Income

Answer explanation

UBI is the idea that paying everyone a basic income. In a UK trial, 30 people are being paid £1,600 a month without any obligation.

Supporters say schemes can simplify the welfare system and tackle poverty.

The concept of a universal basic income sees government pays all individuals a set salary regardless of their means. No would would face not being able to pay for basic necessities.

Critics say it would be extremely costly, would divert funding away from public services, and not necessarily help to alleviate poverty.

What are the characteristics of Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital?

• Cultural assets are passed on from one generation to the other

• It enables to secure and better quality education for their children

• Cultural assets help people climb up the social ladder

• Everyone has a chance to develop cultural capital

Answer explanation

 Bourdieu introduced the concept of cultural capital. Cultural capital is a sociological concept that refers to the:

knowledge, skills, behaviours, and likes, that a person learns and acquires, which can give them an advantage in social life and social mobility.

Bourdieu, argued that each social class has its own cultural framework, in other words values, attitudes, behavioural norms, which influences their actions and the opportunities they have in life.

Watch the clip. Make notes of the key points.

Now answer the following questions. Does this support a New Right approach to poverty? Be ready to explain your answer.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The clip suggests that being trapped in poverty can occur when people work full-time jobs, and even in a dual earners family. New Right argue that it is the benefit system that encourages people to be trapped in poverty as it discourages work. This is because the benefit system pays more than work, so people don't work.

This clip is suggesting low wages and high cost of living are the real culprits of poverty, making it difficult to afford the basic necessities, nevermind investing in theirs and their children's futures.

The representative from Action For Children suggested a number of actions to take people out of extreme poverty. Identify which ones they suggest.

• Higher pay

• Breakdown barriers to work, such as cost of childcare

• Adequate social security benefits for those who cannot work

• Reduction in benefits for those who do not work

The home secretary, Suella Braverman, has described rough sleeping as a “lifestyle choice”. Watch the clip about homelessness and answer the next few questions.

Why does Suella Braverman want to ban the use and distribution of tent to the homeless.

• They are mostly plastics and therefore a pollutant.

• They are a public nusiance in public spaces

• Her views match a New Right approach to poverty

• She wants to build more homeless shelters to avoid people having to sleep rough

Answer explanation

Suella Braverman is following a New Right interpretation and arguing that providing support for people who are homeless encourages them to remain homeless. Take this kind of support away and replacing it with support into work will solve their problems and get them out of poverty.

According to the Independent News Group, in the clip, how much has homelessness increased between 2022 and 2023?

• 5%

• 17%

• 26%

• 38%

Absolute poverty is where an individual or holdhold lacks regular access to the basics necessities in life. What will this include?

Answer explanation

• Absolute poverty – is a condition where household income is below a necessary level to maintain basic living standards (food, shelter, housing, clothing etc.). This condition makes it possible to compare between different countries and also over time.