Solutions to Poverty

    OCR
    GCSE

    This study area demands a critical evaluation of societal responses to poverty, necessitating an understanding of the ideological drivers behind policy formulation. Candidates must analyse the shift from the post-war social democratic consensus (Universalism) to neoliberal approaches emphasizing individual responsibility and means-testing. Analysis must interrogate the efficacy of state, market, and third-sector solutions through the lens of sociological perspectives (New Right, Functionalist, Marxist, Social Democratic). Proficiency in linking theoretical causes of poverty (cultural vs. structural) to specific policy outcomes is essential for high-level credit.

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

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • The Beveridge Report (1942) and the 'Five Giants'
    • Introduction of Universal Credit (2013) replacing six legacy benefits
    • Charles Murray's concept of the 'Underclass' and dependency culture
    • Trussell Trust statistics regarding the rise in food bank usage
    • The Equality Act (2010) as a legal solution to discrimination-based poverty

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit explicit application of sociological perspectives (New Right, Functionalism, Marxism) to specific policy solutions
    • Award marks for distinguishing between universal benefits (e.g., Winter Fuel Payment) and means-tested benefits (e.g., Universal Credit)
    • Candidates must evaluate the effectiveness of the voluntary sector (e.g., food banks) as a gap-filler for state retraction
    • Reward analysis of the 'poverty trap' mechanism where solutions inadvertently discourage employment

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 24-mark essays, ensure the conclusion explicitly judges which solution is most effective, rather than just summarizing
    • 💡Use the 'PERC' structure (Point, Explain, Refer to theorist/study, Critique) for AO3 paragraphs
    • 💡When discussing the New Right, link Charles Murray directly to the concept of 'perverse incentives'
    • 💡Allocate 25 minutes strictly to the final 24-mark question on Paper 2 to ensure depth of analysis

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'absolute poverty' solutions with 'relative poverty' solutions without distinction
    • Presenting anecdotal opinions on benefit fraud rather than sociological evidence regarding the 'underclass'
    • Failing to distinguish between the 'welfare state' as a concept and specific modern policies like Universal Credit

    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

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent

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