Poverty and Welfare

Definition and ways of measuring poverty

Absolute definition of poverty (Rowntree)   “Having the basic needs for a healthy life” Rowntree (1901)   Five basic needs that he outlined…   Shelter Heat Food Clothing Water     Problems with the definition… People’s view of what defines someone...

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Theories explaining the existence of poverty

Behavioral   Lewis   Culture of poverty theory. Once established the culture of poverty carry’s itself from generation to generation through children (aged 6 and 7).  Lewis estimated that 20% of the poor in the USA adopt the values and behaviors outlined below.   He...

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Groups most at risk of poverty

Working class   Behavioral Situational Structural ·         A dependency culture has developed within the ‘underclass’ ·         Patterns of consumerism reflect immediate gratification values rather than planning ahead. ·         High rate of single parenthood,...

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Wealth and Income

Income   An inward flow of money that is received on a monthly or yearly basis. Sources of income include pay, fringe benefits, returns on investment, gifts and pension schemes.   Types of income   Original income= Pay, fringe benefits, gifts, alimony, investment...

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Welfare provisions

Social Democrats= Universal benefits (student loans+ health + education)- Bill Jordan   Advantage’s Disadvantages ·         Cheap to pay- No long process of deciding who does and who doesn’t receive the benefit. ·         Gives wealthy people a reason to still...

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Competing approaches to poverty (views on the welfare state)

Social democratic   We can identify the key components of this prospective in terms of 5 main components… Meritocracy- Inequality is desirable as long as it is based on merit. Those who work hard, use their abilities constructively and therefore should be allowed to...

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