Question 1: Define the term 'poverty' as used in sociology and explain two ways it can affect individuals' lives.

Answer: Poverty in sociology refers to the state of having insufficient financial resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. It can affect individuals by limiting access to education and healthcare, and by increasing their vulnerability to social exclusion.

Question 2: Identify and describe two different types of poverty that can exist within the UK society.

Answer: Absolute poverty is when individuals lack the basic necessities for survival, such as food and shelter. Relative poverty occurs when individuals have significantly less income than the average in society, leading to social exclusion and limited opportunities.

Question 3: Discuss how poverty can perpetuate the cycle of social inequality across generations.

Answer: Poverty can perpetuate inequality because children growing up in impoverished families often have limited access to quality education and health services. This can reduce their chances of gaining higher-paying jobs in adulthood, thus passing poverty to the next generation and maintaining social stratification.

Question 4: Identify two social policies in the UK aimed at reducing poverty and briefly explain how they work.

Answer: The Universal Credit system provides financial support to individuals with low income or who are unemployed, aiming to simplify benefits and incentivize work. The Free School Meals policy offers free meals to children from low-income families, reducing food insecurity and supporting better educational outcomes.

Question 5: Explain the concept of 'social mobility' and how poverty can influence it.

Answer: Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or families to move between social classes over time. Poverty can limit social mobility by restricting access to quality education, job opportunities, and social networks, making it harder for individuals to improve their social position.

Question 6: Describe two ways in which poverty can impact mental health and well-being.

Answer: Poverty can increase stress and anxiety due to financial insecurity and the inability to afford basic needs. It can also lead to feelings of social exclusion and low self-esteem, negatively affecting mental health.

Question 7: Draw a simple flowchart showing how poverty might lead to poor educational attainment and limited employment opportunities.

Answer: The flowchart should start with 'Poverty' leading to 'Limited access to quality education,' which then leads to 'Lower educational qualifications,' subsequently resulting in 'Limited job opportunities,' and ultimately 'Reduced income and social mobility.'

Question 8: Suggest one way that communities can help reduce the effects of poverty on children.

Answer: Communities can organize after-school programs and tutoring services to support children from low-income families, improving their educational outcomes and social skills.

Question 9: Explain the term 'relative deprivation' and how it relates to poverty.

Answer: 'Relative deprivation' refers to the feeling of being worse off compared to others in society, which can occur even if basic needs are met. It relates to poverty because individuals may feel deprived when they cannot afford the same lifestyle or possessions as their peers, leading to social exclusion.

Question 10: Identify and briefly discuss one challenge faced by policymakers trying to reduce poverty in the UK.

Answer: One challenge is the 'poverty trap,' where individuals on welfare benefits may find it financially difficult to take up work due to costs like childcare or transportation, discouraging employment and making it hard to escape poverty.