Causes of Social Inequality Flashcards
Lack of Education KU
Children living in the most deprived areas of Scotland are 6 to 13 months behind their peers at problem-solving at age 5.
In 2018/19 just over 2 in 5 young people living in the most deprived areas achieve one or more, higher qualifications when leaving school. Compared to the almost 4 in 5 young people living in the least deprived areas.
Lack of Education Balance
However, the £750 million attainment Scotland fund is a targeted initiative focused on supporting pupils in local authorities of Scotland with the highest concentration of deprivation.
Unemployment KU
In 2018/19 51% of working-age adults in workless households were in poverty, compared with the 16% of those in working households.
Unemployment has increased from 3.9% in January 2020 to 4.8% in March 2021.
Unemployment Balance
However, the JRF found that 4 million workers are currently living in poverty.
Gender KU
According to the Women’s Budget Group. Women account for 69% of low earners.
74% of all part-time workers are women which impacts their income.
Gender Balance
Despite all this Gender Pay Gap has reduced by approximately 10% between 1997 and 2019
Race KU
40% Of minority groups live in poverty compared to around 20% of the general population.
A 2021 report on racial disparities in the UK found that the pay gap between ethnic minorities and white workers has been falling and is at its lowest level in almost a decade, at 2.3%.
Race Balance
However, if you look at pupils receiving free school meals in England and Wales those from minority backgrounds are performing better. For example, over 50% of Bangladeshi pupils receiving free school meals are reaching expected standards in reading and maths compared to the around 30% of white free school meal pupils.
Universal Credit KU
Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people in or out of work that merges together some of the benefits and tax credits that they may have been receiving previously for example housing benefits and child tax credits.
In November 2021 singles under the age of 25 received £257.33
Universal Credit Balance
However, as of October 2021, Universal Credit is being reduced by £20 a week as this was a temporary increase due to Covid. This may push more people into poverty
Universal Credit Balance
However, as of October 2021, Universal Credit is being reduced by £20 a week as this was a temporary increase due to Covid. This may push more people into poverty
Living Wage KU
Before Tax people getting paid the Living Wage would have £1,074 extra a year.
In April 2022 the living wage will increase to £9.50 for those over 23.
Living Wage Balance
Age inequality. It doesn’t help those under the age of 23 who are trying to pay off student loans and buy first homes.
EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) KU
EMA is a payment given to young people aged 16-19 who are in low-income households to encourage them to stay in school. It is worth £30 a week.
It is given to them in weekly or biweekly payments.
EMA Balance
The National Foundation for educational research is saying that 90% of students who receive EMA would still continue school without the payment.
WFP (Winter Fuel Payment) KU
Winter fuel payment is a one-time payment for the months of November and December designed for pensioners. The amount the pensioner receives is dependent on their age and living circumstances, for example, a pensioner living alone who is older than 82 would be entitled to £300.
It has been reported that pensioners skip meals and social events in order to heat their homes.
WFP Balance
Winter fuel payment prices have been the same since 2011 despite an increase in heating costs.
PMQ (Prime Minsters Questions) KU
Prime Minister’s questions take place on Wednesday at noon.
Question time allows for MP’s to hold the government to account by asking the prime minister to explain policy decisions and challenging them on controversial issues.
PMQ Balance
However, the government’s party often uses PMQ’s as a way to highlight the government’s success rather than hold them to account. This wastes valuable time. This makes the government look good.
Committees KU
Committees are like clubs that parliament members can join and get experts along to speak. Committees can scrutinize the government and hold inquiries into spending and policies, They can even call forth the PM. Dominic Raab 2021 Foreign affairs committee.
Committees publish their findings on the UK parliament website and the government must respond within 60 days. Committees can limit the government’s power by amending bills.
Committees Balance
The government can reject committees’ recommendations for example in 2017 the women and equalities committee’s recommendations for improved paternity pay and arrangements were rejected by the government. The makeup of Committees is similar to the makeup of parliament.
Voting KU
Voting allows MP’s to vote on new Government policies and bills, this means the government is limited as they can’t pass every policy they want. For example, in 2016 the government planned to allow councils to extend Sunday trading hours but were opposed in the house of commons.
The largest defeat of a Government bill was in January 2019 when Theresa May’s Brexit deal was defeated by 230 votes.
Voting Balance
Some MPs are forced to vote against their own opinions or what their constituents want due to the WHIP system.
House of Lords KU
The house of lords debates and scrutinizes bills they pass through parliament, helping to ensure that the legislation is well-drafted and effective.
The legislation takes up around 60% of the house of Lords’ time, they are involved in the process of proposing, revising, and amending legislation.
