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Lesson 2 - What is Poverty in Scotland /UK? Learning Intentions:

Lesson 2 - What is Poverty in Scotland /UK? Learning Intentions: (After this lesson pupils should be able to:) 1. Describe two different ways of measuring poverty: absolute poverty and relative poverty. 2. Explain that society’s understanding of ‘relative poverty’ has changed over time.

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Lesson 2 - What is Poverty in Scotland /UK? Learning Intentions:

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  1. Lesson 2 - What is Poverty in Scotland /UK? Learning Intentions: (After this lesson pupils should be able to:) 1. Describe two different ways of measuring poverty: absolute poverty and relative poverty. 2. Explain that society’s understanding of ‘relative poverty’ has changed over time. 3. Describe some of the groups more vulnerable to poverty.

  2. Absolute and Relative Poverty Absolute Poverty This definition describes poverty as not having the essentials for life i.e. food, clothes and shelter. Relative Poverty This definition describes poverty as not having access to what society thinks citizens should have i.e. decent quality housing, certain household goods (fridge, beds, telephone, etc.), a holiday or toys and books for children. Interestingly, society’s view of relative poverty changes over time. 25 years ago the lack of a TV or holiday once a year would not have been seen as being poor. Hyperlink: Poverty in UK (BBC video from 2007)

  3. Other Methods of Measuring Poverty • There is no official ‘poverty line’ (minimum standard) in the UK. However, the two commonly used criteria to identify those in poverty are: • • Households Below Average Income (HBAI) • Used by the Department of Social Security (DSS), this defines those in poverty as anyone living on or below 60% of average income. In 2010, average family income in Scotland stood at £27k per annum. Any family below about £16.2k would be considered poor. • • Income Support • - Income Support is paid to those whose income falls below a level set annually by the Government. Anyone in receipt of Income Support is considered to need additional benefit payments to pay for essentials.

  4. Groups More Vulnerable To Poverty (1) • Women: lower average income (80% of males for FT employees; 50% PT), lower pensions; responsibility for caring of children / elderly so less likely to work. • Unemployed and low-paid: lower incomes. • Lone parents: 90%+ are females; cost of raising children; poorer employment prospects. • NEET 16/17 year olds (Not in Education, Employment and Training): often ‘disappeared from system’. • Disabled or those who care for disabled: fewer and poorer employment prospects.

  5. Groups More Vulnerable To Poverty (2) • Ethnic Minorities: poorer employment prospects; disproportionately represented in poorer paid jobs. • Families with Children: cost of raising children (£176k from 0-21); one parent no longer working (mother?) • Pensioners: especially oldest pensioners dependent on State pension or modest occupational pensions.

  6. Questions 1. Explain what is meant by ‘absolute’ and ‘relative’ poverty? 2. Why does the definition of relative poverty change over time? 3. Describe two ways that poverty may be measured. 4. Choose two groups which are more vulnerable to poverty. Explain why both these groups are more vulnerable to poverty. Reading: ‘Modern UK Social Issues’ pages 9-12.

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