Impact of government policies on poverty and inequality

AQA

GCSE

This study area examines the dialectical relationship between state intervention and social stratification within the UK (1945–Present). Candidates must analyse how shifting ideological frameworks—from the post-war Social Democratic consensus to the New Right and Third Way—have shaped specific policies targeting poverty. Critical focus is required on the transition from universalism to means-testing, the concept of the 'welfare state' versus the 'safety net', and the sociological evaluation of policy efficacy in reducing material deprivation and social exclusion.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Credit explicit linkage of specific policies (e.g., Universal Credit, Equality Act 2010) to their intended impact on life chances.
Award marks for the application of sociological perspectives: New Right arguments on 'dependency culture' versus Social Democratic views on structural inequality.
Responses must distinguish between universal benefits (e.g., state pension) and means-tested benefits, analyzing the stigma associated with the latter.
High-level responses must evaluate the effectiveness of policies, citing concepts such as the 'poverty trap' or 'social exclusion' rather than merely describing the policy.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Credit explicit linkage of specific policies (e.g., Universal Credit, Equality Act 2010) to their intended impact on life chances.
Award marks for the application of sociological perspectives: New Right arguments on 'dependency culture' versus Social Democratic views on structural inequality.
Responses must distinguish between universal benefits (e.g., state pension) and means-tested benefits, analyzing the stigma associated with the latter.
High-level responses must evaluate the effectiveness of policies, citing concepts such as the 'poverty trap' or 'social exclusion' rather than merely describing the policy.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When using Item A (the source), explicitly quote the text and immediately link it to a sociological concept (e.g., 'The item mentions low pay, which links to the Marxist view of exploitation').
💡For 12-mark questions, ensure the conclusion does not just summarize but provides a judgment on the 'extent' of the policy's success.
💡Allocate strictly 1 minute per mark; spend no more than 12-15 minutes on the final essay question.
💡Use the 'PERC' structure for paragraphs: Point, Explanation (sociological theory), Reference (study/policy), Criticism.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the 'poverty trap' with general poverty; failing to explain the mechanism where earning more leads to a loss of benefits.
Presenting personal political opinion rather than sociological analysis (e.g., 'benefits make people lazy' without referencing Murray or the underclass).
Conflating absolute poverty (lack of basics) with relative poverty (social exclusion) when discussing policy outcomes.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Identify

Describe

Explain

Discuss how far

Discuss

Examine

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