Question 1: Define the term 'poverty' in the context of sociology. What are the main characteristics that distinguish absolute poverty from relative poverty?

Answer: Poverty in sociology refers to the lack of financial resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Absolute poverty is a condition where individuals cannot meet the basic necessities for survival, while relative poverty is when individuals have significantly less than others in their society, affecting their quality of life.

Question 2: List three social factors that can contribute to an individual's experience of poverty in the UK.

Answer: Factors may include low educational attainment, unemployment or insecure employment, and family background or socio-economic status.

Question 3: Explain how poverty can impact a person's access to education and employment opportunities.

Answer: Poverty can limit access to quality education due to inability to afford resources or extracurricular activities, leading to lower academic achievement. It can also restrict employment opportunities because of limited qualifications, lack of transportation, or living in deprived areas with fewer job prospects.

Question 4: Describe two ways in which poverty can influence health outcomes among individuals and communities.

Answer: Poverty can lead to poor nutrition and limited access to healthcare, resulting in higher rates of illness. It can also cause stress and mental health issues, which further deteriorate overall health.

Question 5: Discuss the concept of 'social mobility' and how poverty can act as a barrier to upward mobility.

Answer: Social mobility refers to the ability to move between social classes, usually from lower to higher status. Poverty can act as a barrier to upward mobility by limiting access to quality education, affordable housing, and networking opportunities, making it difficult for individuals to improve their socio-economic status.

Question 6: Identify and explain two government policies aimed at reducing poverty in the UK.

Answer: One policy is welfare benefits, such as Universal Credit, which provides financial support to those in need. Another is the provision of free or subsidised schooling and healthcare to ensure access to essential services regardless of income.

Question 7: Draw a simple flowchart illustrating how poverty can lead to a cycle of deprivation across generations.

Answer: The flowchart should show: Poverty → Limited access to quality education → Low skills and employment prospects → Low income in adulthood → Poverty in the next generation.

Question 8: Sketch a diagram that represents the social stratification system in the UK, highlighting where poverty is positioned within the hierarchy.

Answer: The diagram should depict a stratified pyramid or ladder with different social classes, indicating the position of those experiencing poverty at the lower levels, and illustrating the gap between different classes.

Question 9: Critically evaluate whether poverty is solely a result of individual choices or if societal factors play a significant role.

Answer: While individual choices can influence economic status, societal factors such as inequality, lack of access to education, discrimination, and economic policies play a crucial role in perpetuating poverty. Therefore, poverty is largely a structural issue influenced by broader social forces.

Question 10: Suggest two ways schools can help reduce the impact of poverty on students' educational achievement.

Answer: Schools can provide free meals and additional academic support or tutoring. They can also offer resources such as free school supplies and access to extracurricular activities to ensure equal opportunities.