Overview

This module will examine the explanations for, and the experience of, poverty in the UK and in comparative perspective. It will aim to address the following aspects:

1. Defining poverty – how is poverty defined? What is social exclusion? How important is inequality?
2. Explaining poverty - how has the persistence of poverty been explained? This will look particularly at ‘pathological’ explanations involving a ‘culture of poverty’ or the existence of an ‘underclass’
3. The risk of poverty – who is most at risk of being poor, and what are the possible consequences?
4. Experiencing poverty - what does it mean to be poor in the UK today?
5. Dimensions of poverty - what are the various dimensions of poverty, including income, wealth, health, education and housing.
6. International issues – can we ‘make poverty history’?
7. Confronting poverty – what policies are most effective against poverty? Is poverty or inequality the real problem?

Assessment Strategy

Excellent. A* - A- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the definitions of, explanations for and government actions on poverty and exclusion, showing some evidence of independent reading and research.

Good. B+-B- Demonstrate a substantial knowledge of the definitions of, explanations for and government actions on poverty and exclusion, showing some evidence of independent reading and research.

Threshold. D+-D- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the definitions of, explanations for and government actions on poverty and exclusion, showing some evidence of independent reading and research.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to discuss critically differing explanations for the causes of social deprivation and inequalities.

• Be aware of the key factors positively correlated with poverty.

• Be familiar with the differing ways in which social deprivation may be experienced.

• Critically evaluate government policies for alleviating poverty.

• Gain knowledge of some of the ways in which poverty and social exclusion are defined.