Age- life chances Flashcards
P1: What is the main argument about elderly poverty, as stated in Item A?
Older individuals are less likely to be employed, which increases their risk of poverty as they rely on pensions and benefits.
How does *** explain elderly poverty?
Davidson found that many elderly people struggle financially because state pensions are often insufficient, and private pensions are unequally distributed. Women are particularly disadvantaged due to interruptions in their work history from pregnancy and childcare.
What evidence supports the claim that elderly women face higher poverty risks?
Oppenheim & Harker (1996) found that only 68% of female full-time workers receive company pensions, compared to 73% of men in full-time jobs. This leaves many elderly women financially dependent on state benefits or their spouse’s income.
How does gender inequality contribute to elderly poverty?
Gender inequalities accumulate over a lifetime, resulting in higher poverty rates among elderly women due to lower access to private pensions.
What is a criticism of state policies addressing elderly poverty?
Ray et al. (2006) argue that state policies reinforce the idea of the elderly as dependent and in need of aid. While benefits like winter fuel allowances and free prescriptions aim to reduce poverty, they can stigmatise older people and justify lower pension rates, shifting responsibility onto individual savings.
P2: What is the main argument about child poverty, as stated in Item A?
The very young face a higher risk of poverty due to social exclusion and low social capital.
How does *** explain child poverty?
Proust argues that a child’s quality of life is strongly linked to their family’s economic status. Children in low-income households lack access to essential resources such as nutritious food, good housing, and educational support, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
What evidence supports the claim that social exclusion affects children in poverty?
Barnardo’s (2008) found that many people perceive children from low-income backgrounds as ‘feral’ rather than recognising their social exclusion, which can lead to fewer support systems being provided to help them escape poverty.
How do public attitudes and social exclusion reinforce child poverty?
Negative perceptions of children from low-income backgrounds reduce support systems, making it harder for them to access better opportunities and escape poverty.
What is a criticism of government policies addressing child poverty?
Ray et al. (2006) note that while state policies like free school meals and child benefits support children, they can also reinforce stereotypes of them as dependent and a burden on society.
