SOCIAL DEMOCRAT EXPLANATIONS FOR POVERTY

Question 1

Outline the social democratic view on eradicating poverty

Answer 1

Social democrats advocate a strong welfare state as they believe poverty can be eradicated through increased targeted spending. They believe that if the material constraints the poor experience are removed then the dependency culture will also disappear.

Question 2

Outline the cycle of deprivation

Answer 2

The material circumstance gives the poor little chance of escape because Poverty is cumulative, in the sense that one aspect of poverty can lead to further poverty. Eg: a child is born in a poor family, so is more likely to have a poor diet and housing. Therefore, the likelyhood of being ill increases therefore the spending on non -prescription medicine increases.

Question 3

Outline the concept of a poverty trap

Answer 3

People get trapped in poverty because the welfare state is not generous enough to life people out of poverty. The low pay rate means that people are better off claiming benefits than getting a job. This inadequacy of the welfare state causes an underclass of disadvantaged groups. Which remain due to circumstance beyond their control.

Question 4

Give a criticism of the social democrat view on poverty

Answer 4

Their needs to be very high taxation to fund a very generous welfare state. Marsland argues that this approach would encourage over reliance of the welfare state.