Soc inequality - Effect of inequality on a group or groups in society (children) Flashcards
Factors
Poor health, education, social exclusion
LOA
This essay will argue that children suffer from inequality to a moderate extent
Poor health
Children in poverty are more likely to develop poor physical health, including longer-term conditions. Chronic conditions, including malnutrition, are far more prevalent among younger people living in poverty vs those who are not. For example, cases of “victorian diseases” including malnutrition, scurvy and rickets, have quadrupled since the economic crash of 2008; many of these cases among children. This shows that children living in poverty are at greatest risk of health implications which can have a significant impact on their development in later life, including their education. However, all governing areas of the UK have a far greater focus on providing school-based nutritional input. A universal benefit was introduced in 2015 which provides all p1-3 pupils with free school meals with the aim to ensure every child has the best possible start in life in order to succeed in school and also ease the pressure of the cost of childcare. For example, 81.7% of children receive free meals, saving families around £380 a year for each eligible child. This helps to tackle the problem of poverty as families can spend their money on essential things in order to ensure their children are healthy such as food, clothing, housing etc. So, the link exists to a moderate extent as health initiatives are working, but more has to be done to solve the problem.
Education
There is a direct link between poverty levels and school attendance. A lack of financial support can mean that children living in the poorest households often miss more schooling than their peers from better off households. For example, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation identified that nearly 24.4% of FSM pupils were persistently absent from school, compared to a rate of 8.3% for pupils not eligible. This has a direct impact as on average, there is a 60% attainment gap by the age of 16 in wealthier vs poorer children meaning many are more likely to end up in low paid jobs or unemployment. Children living in poverty are less likely to finish their formal education. Children from poorer backgrounds are often encouraged to leave school and take up part-time employment to assist with family income. For example, 1 in 5 young people leave school by the age of 16 due to poverty. Therefore young people from poorer backgrounds are more likely to be trapped in the poverty cycle and unable to develop professional life skills. So, the link exists to a great extent as poor school attendance and the consequence of not securing a job in the future is a great problem for children living in poverty.
Social exclusion
An effect of inequality on children could be social exclusion. Poverty can mean young people don’t have means of accessing transport or engaging in social activities. For example, 2/5 families in the UK do not have savings of more than £100, meaning access to pocket money is likely to be incredibly difficult. This suggests many families live pay check to pay check and therefore do not have the disposable income to engage in social activities, posing a social restriction more prevalent among poor children. However, a report has recognised that the Scottish government is trying to improve the situation. For example, since the introduction of the Scottish Child payment, introduced in February 2021, poverty levels amongst children are now lower in Scotland than England and Wales. This demonstrates that government intervention can help alleviate child poverty levels, yet with the current cost of living crisis and impact of the covid pandemic, much more intervention is required. So, the link between poverty and social exclusion exists to a moderate extent as the Scottish Government intervention is working, however children still experience unacceptance from their peers.
Conclusion
So, children suffer from inequality to a moderate extent.
