Effects of Poverty

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyze the multifaceted nature of poverty, distinguishing between absolute, relative, and subjective definitions. The study demands a critical evaluation of the correlation between poverty and life chances (health, education, housing) and requires the application of competing sociological perspectives—specifically New Right (cultural) versus Marxist/Social Democratic (structural)—to explain the persistence of poverty in contemporary society. Assessment focuses on the ability to weigh evidence regarding the 'cycle of deprivation' against 'welfare dependency' models.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Peter Townsend's definition of Relative Poverty
    • Charles Murray's concept of the Underclass
    • Oscar Lewis's Culture of Poverty theory
    • The Trussell Trust (food bank statistics)
    • The Cycle of Deprivation concept

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit explicit distinction between absolute poverty (subsistence) and relative poverty (social exclusion).
    • Award marks for linking poverty to specific life chances: lower life expectancy, educational underachievement (Halsey/Ball), and poor housing.
    • Responses must apply sociological perspectives: Functionalist views on meritocracy vs. Marxist views on wealth distribution.
    • High-level responses must critique the 'culture of poverty' theory using structural arguments (e.g., low wages, cost of living).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When discussing the 'underclass', explicitly name Charles Murray and link to the concept of welfare dependency.
    • 💡In 24-mark essays, ensure the conclusion reaches a substantiated judgment on whether poverty is caused by cultural or structural factors.
    • 💡Use contemporary examples such as food bank usage (Trussell Trust) to demonstrate AO2 application.
    • 💡For source questions, explicitly cite data trends (e.g., 'The table shows a 15% increase...') before offering a sociological explanation.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'relative poverty' with simply 'being poor' without reference to the average standard of living.
    • Relying on anecdotal or common-sense assertions (e.g., 'lazy people') rather than sociological concepts like the 'cycle of deprivation'.
    • Failing to contrast New Right theories with Structural theories in evaluation questions.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent
    Compare

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