The values and attitudes of some members of the working class may lead to them accepting their position in society. Patriarchal values mean that females can be disadvantaged.
Some social groups are more likely than others to experience poverty.Applying material from Item G, analyse two reasons why some social groups are more likely than others to experience poverty.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Essay Outline: Why Some Social Groups Experience More Poverty
Introduction
This essay will explore two reasons why some social groups experience higher rates of poverty than others. It will examine the role of cultural factors, specifically fatalistic attitudes and patriarchal values, in perpetuating poverty. By analyzing these factors, the essay will argue that cultural explanations, while not solely responsible, contribute to the persistence of poverty in certain social groups.
Body Paragraph 1: Fatalistic Attitudes and the Working Class
A. Cultural Explanations:
Start by explaining the concept of "cultural explanations" of poverty, highlighting how these explanations focus on the values, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals or groups. This could involve citing scholars like Murray or Lewis who argue that certain cultural traits, like a lack of work ethic or a reliance on welfare, contribute to poverty.
B. Fatalistic Attitudes and Acceptance:
Introduce the concept of "fatalistic attitudes" as a specific cultural factor often associated with the working class. Explain how fatalistic attitudes involve a belief that one's social position is predetermined and unchangeable. This can lead to a sense of resignation and acceptance of poverty, reducing individual agency and aspirations for upward mobility.
C. Evidence from Item G:
Analyze Item G to identify specific examples of how fatalistic attitudes might contribute to the acceptance of poverty within the working class. This could involve analyzing statements related to feelings of powerlessness, resignation to low-paying jobs, or a lack of belief in the possibility of social change.
D. Limitations of Cultural Explanations:
Acknowledging the limitations of cultural explanations, discuss alternative perspectives that focus on structural factors like lack of access to education, employment opportunities, and social mobility. Cite scholars like Baumberg, Bell, and Gaffney who critique the cultural explanations for poverty, emphasizing the role of social and economic structures.
Body Paragraph 2: Patriarchy and the Feminization of Poverty
A. Patriarchal Structures:
Define the concept of "patriarchy" as a system of social structures and cultural norms that perpetuate male dominance and female subordination. Explain how patriarchal values influence many areas of life, including family roles, labor market participation, and access to resources.
B. Unequal Distribution of Caring Roles:
Discuss how patriarchal values contribute to an unequal distribution of caring roles within families, particularly disproportionately burdening women with childcare and elder care. Explain how these roles can limit women's access to education, employment opportunities, and financial independence, making them more vulnerable to poverty.
C. Feminization of Poverty:
Explain the concept of "feminization of poverty," highlighting how women are more likely to experience poverty than men due to factors like gender pay gaps, unequal access to resources, and the disproportionate burden of caring responsibilities. Cite statistics or evidence from relevant sources to support this argument.
D. Evidence from Item G:
Analyze Item G for any specific examples that highlight the role of patriarchal values in perpetuating poverty within families or the broader society. This could involve analyzing statements related to gender roles, unequal earning potential, or the impact of caring responsibilities on women's economic well-being.
Conclusion
Summarize the main arguments of the essay, emphasizing the role of fatalistic attitudes within the working class and patriarchal values in contributing to the feminization of poverty. Acknowledge the limitations of cultural explanations, highlighting the interplay of structural factors and individual attitudes in creating and perpetuating poverty. Conclude by suggesting potential solutions to address these issues, focusing on promoting social mobility, promoting gender equality, and tackling systemic inequalities.
Analysing the Likelihood of Poverty for Certain Social Groups
Poverty represents a multifaceted social issue influenced by various factors that contribute to the disparity in its prevalence among different social groups. While Item G suggests that the values and attitudes of certain groups, particularly within the working class, may play a role in perpetuating their lower socioeconomic status, this essay will argue that economic circumstances provide a more comprehensive explanation for the unequal distribution of poverty. This argument will be supported by examining two key reasons: the impact of fatalistic attitudes and the role of patriarchal values.
Fatalistic Attitudes and Poverty
Item G posits that fatalistic attitudes, prevalent among some members of the working class, might contribute to their acceptance of poverty. This perspective aligns with the culture of poverty thesis, which argues that individuals in deprived environments may develop a sense of resignation and helplessness, believing that they have limited control over their economic outcomes. This can result in a lack of aspiration and motivation to improve their circumstances, potentially leading to a cycle of poverty across generations. For instance, if individuals perceive educational attainment as futile due to limited opportunities, they might be less inclined to pursue higher education, thus limiting their future prospects.
However, it is crucial to avoid oversimplifying the relationship between attitudes and poverty. While fatalistic attitudes may exist in certain cases, attributing poverty solely to cultural factors risks blaming the victim. Economic structures, such as discrimination in hiring practices, limited access to quality education, and the concentration of poverty in specific geographical areas, play a significant role in shaping opportunities and outcomes. Focusing solely on attitudes ignores the systemic barriers that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
Patriarchal Values and the Feminisation of Poverty
Item G also highlights the role of patriarchal values in perpetuating poverty, particularly among women. Traditional gender roles, often reinforced by patriarchal norms, can disadvantage women in numerous ways, contributing to the feminisation of poverty. For example, the expectation that women should primarily assume caring responsibilities for children and family members can limit their participation in paid employment, leading to financial dependence and reduced earning potential. Additionally, occupational segregation, where women are overrepresented in lower-paying sectors, further exacerbates the gender pay gap.
Furthermore, societal structures often fail to provide adequate support for single mothers, who face higher rates of poverty compared to their coupled counterparts. Limited access to affordable childcare, inadequate social security benefits, and the persistent challenge of enforcing child support payments all contribute to the economic vulnerability of single-parent households, which are disproportionately headed by women.
Conclusion
While attitudes and values can play a role in shaping individual behaviour and choices, attributing poverty primarily to cultural factors overlooks the powerful influence of structural inequalities. While fatalistic attitudes might exist in some cases, it is essential to recognize that economic circumstances, such as limited opportunities, discrimination, and unequal access to resources, are more significant drivers of poverty. Similarly, patriarchal values and their impact on gender roles contribute significantly to the feminisation of poverty. Addressing poverty effectively requires tackling these structural issues through policies that promote equal opportunities, challenge discrimination, and provide robust social safety nets.
The values and attitudes of some members of the working class may lead to them accepting their position in society. Patriarchal values mean that females can be disadvantaged.
Some social groups are more likely than others to experience poverty.Applying material from Item G, analyse two reasons why some social groups are more likely than others to experience poverty.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
Explanations of Poverty
Answers may include the following and/or other relevant points:
- That fatalistic attitudes may lead working-class people to accept their social position so that some experience poverty.
- That patriarchal values lead to social arrangements such as the unequal distribution of caring roles, contributing to the feminisation of poverty.
- That economic circumstances explain poverty better than attitudes.
Sources may include the following or other relevant ones:
- Baumberg, Bell and Gaffney
- Blanden and Gibbons
- Coates and Silburn
- Field
- Lewis
- Marsland
- Murray
- Rutter and Madge
- Shildrick et al.