The nature, existence and persistence of poverty in contemporary society

The idea

Understanding poverty in contemporary society requires examining its nature, existence, and persistence. The 'nature' of poverty involves defining it, distinguishing between absolute poverty (lacking basic survival needs) and relative poverty (lacking resources for normal societal participation). Its 'existence' is measured using indicators like the consensual measure or income thresholds (e.g. below 60% of median income). The 'persistence' of poverty explores why it continues despite welfare systems. Explanations include structural factors, such as low-wage economies and systemic inequality, and cultural explanations, like the 'underclass' thesis, which argues that welfare dependency traps individuals in poverty across generations.

What earns the marks

• Identify the difference between absolute and relative poverty when discussing the nature of poverty.
• Recognise how the existence of poverty is measured, such as using relative income lines or deprivation indices.
• Evaluate structural explanations for the persistence of poverty, such as the impact of capitalism, low pay, and the gig economy.
• Evaluate cultural explanations for the persistence of poverty, including the cycle of deprivation and New Right concepts of an underclass.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing absolute and relative poverty.

  Put it right: Absolute poverty refers to lacking basic necessities for survival, whereas relative poverty means lacking the resources to achieve the standard of living considered normal in a specific society.

• Assuming poverty no longer exists in contemporary wealthy societies.

  Put it right: Acknowledge that while absolute poverty may be rare in wealthy nations, relative poverty and social exclusion remain significant and measurable issues.

• Treating cultural and structural explanations as identical.

  Put it right: Clearly distinguish between cultural explanations (which focus on the values and behaviours of the poor) and structural explanations (which focus on economic systems and societal inequalities).

Exam tips

• Use contemporary examples, such as the rise of food banks or the gig economy, to illustrate the existence and persistence of poverty.
• When evaluating explanations for poverty, contrast structural theories (like Marxism) with cultural theories (like the New Right).
• Be prepared to discuss how different definitions of poverty affect the statistical measurement of its existence.