Causes of Poverty

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyze the competing etiological frameworks for poverty, specifically the dichotomy between cultural/individualistic explanations (New Right, Functionalist) and structural explanations (Marxist, Weberian, Social Democratic). Study must cover the evolution of definitions from Rowntree’s absolute measures to Townsend’s relative deprivation and the contemporary focus on social exclusion. Critical evaluation of the 'underclass' debate and the impact of welfare policy (universalism vs. means-testing) is essential.

    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 and Deprivation Index.
    • Charles Murray's concept of the 'Underclass' and welfare dependency.
    • Oscar Lewis's 'Culture of Poverty' (fatalism, immediate gratification).
    • The Marxist concept of the 'Reserve Army of Labour'.
    • The distinction between Situational Poverty (life events) and Generational Poverty.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit accurate distinction between absolute poverty (subsistence) and relative poverty (social exclusion/Townsend's index).
    • Award marks for explicit application of Charles Murray's 'underclass' concept or Oscar Lewis's 'culture of poverty' when discussing individual blame.
    • Candidates must link structural causes to Marxist concepts of the 'reserve army of labour' or the functionalist view of role allocation (Davis and Moore).
    • Reward analysis that connects the 'poverty trap' to welfare system mechanics rather than generic laziness.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 24-mark essays, ensure the conclusion provides a definitive judgement on the 'most significant' cause, justified by the weight of evidence.
    • 💡When using source data (tables/graphs), explicitly cite the figures to support a theoretical point (e.g., 'The 15% rise in child poverty supports the structural view...').
    • 💡Juxtapose theories immediately within paragraphs (e.g., 'While Murray argues X, a Marxist would counter that Y...') to demonstrate high-level AO3 analysis.
    • 💡Define key terms like 'material deprivation' or 'cycle of deprivation' in the opening sentence of a response to secure AO1 marks immediately.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'social exclusion' with 'voluntary isolation' rather than structural barriers.
    • Presenting New Right theories as objective fact rather than a sociological perspective subject to critique.
    • Relying on anecdotal evidence or 'common sense' explanations (e.g., 'people are lazy') instead of sociological concepts like 'fatalism' or 'immediate gratification'.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

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