Poverty

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyse poverty as a contested concept, distinguishing between absolute, relative, and subjective definitions. The study encompasses the distribution of poverty across social groups (class, gender, ethnicity, age) and evaluates competing sociological explanations for its persistence, specifically contrasting 'culture of poverty' theories (New Right/Functionalist) with structural explanations (Marxist/Social Democratic). Assessment requires application of contemporary data (e.g., HBAI statistics) and critique of measurement methodologies (Townsend vs. Rowntree).

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for precise definitions of relative versus absolute poverty using Townsend's deprivation index or Mack and Lansley's consensual approach.
    • Credit the explicit application of sociological theories; for example, linking the 'underclass' concept directly to Charles Murray and New Right ideology.
    • Reward responses that contrast cultural explanations (Oscar Lewis) with structural explanations (Marxist/Weberian) regarding the causes of poverty.
    • High-level responses must evaluate the effectiveness of the welfare state, referencing the poverty trap or the cycle of deprivation with specific terminology.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise definitions of relative versus absolute poverty using Townsend's deprivation index or Mack and Lansley's consensual approach.
    • Credit the explicit application of sociological theories; for example, linking the 'underclass' concept directly to Charles Murray and New Right ideology.
    • Reward responses that contrast cultural explanations (Oscar Lewis) with structural explanations (Marxist/Weberian) regarding the causes of poverty.
    • High-level responses must evaluate the effectiveness of the welfare state, referencing the poverty trap or the cycle of deprivation with specific terminology.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 'Evaluate' questions, ensure a dialectical approach: present the 'For' argument (e.g., Functionalist meritocracy) immediately followed by the 'Against' critique (e.g., Marxist structural barriers).
    • 💡When using source material in Section B, explicitly cite data points (e.g., 'Source A shows 20%...') to anchor your sociological analysis.
    • 💡Allocate 25 minutes for the final 24-mark essay; plan for a strong conclusion that weighs the evidence rather than sitting on the fence.
    • 💡Memorize specific studies (Townsend, Murray, Lewis) to move beyond Level 2 general descriptions.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'relative poverty' with simply 'being poor' without reference to the average standard of living or social exclusion.
    • Relying on anecdotal or common-sense assertions (e.g., 'lazy people') rather than sociological concepts like the 'culture of poverty'.
    • Failing to critique the New Right perspective; presenting Murray's views as objective fact rather than a contested sociological theory.
    • Neglecting the intersectionality of poverty, specifically failing to link poverty rates to gender, ethnicity, and age simultaneously.

    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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