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While Ireland has become increasingly wealthy in recent years, it still has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the EU - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3 (a) - 2006
Question 3 (a)
While Ireland has become increasingly wealthy in recent years, it still has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the EU. (i) Define each of the followi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:While Ireland has become increasingly wealthy in recent years, it still has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the EU - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3 (a) - 2006
Step 1
Define each of the following: (a) Relative Poverty.
Answer
Relative Poverty refers to individuals or groups whose income is significantly lower than the average, resulting in a standard of living that is deemed inadequate compared to the broader society. These individuals may be able to meet basic needs but struggle with social inclusion and access to opportunities.
Step 2
Define each of the following: (b) Absolute Poverty.
Answer
Absolute Poverty describes a condition where individuals lack the financial resources to meet basic human needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. This level of poverty means that the individuals are at risk of severe deprivation and are unable to survive without external assistance.
Step 3
Discuss the reasons why poverty continues to be a feature of modern society.
Answer
Poverty persists in modern society due to several interrelated factors.
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Low Wages and Employment Issues: Many workers are employed in low-wage jobs that do not provide enough income to cover living expenses. Factors such as limited educational qualifications and high unemployment rates compound this issue.
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Cycle of Poverty: The cycle of poverty manifests as children from low socio-economic backgrounds often unable to access quality education, leading to poor job opportunities. As adults, these individuals may find it difficult to escape poverty, thereby perpetuating the cycle.
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Social Policy Influence: While social policies may attempt to mitigate poverty, inadequacies in welfare systems and support services often leave the most vulnerable populations without necessary resources. Moreover, policies may sometimes favor more skilled individuals, leaving low-income families with limited access to employment opportunities.
Step 4
Give an account of two statutory initiatives aimed specifically at eliminating poverty in Ireland.
Answer
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Rent Allowance: This initiative provides financial assistance to low-income families to help them meet their housing costs, reducing the burden of rent and preventing homelessness.
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Family Income Supplement: Aimed at supporting low-income families with children, this initiative provides additional income to those on low wages, thereby helping to lift families out of poverty and improve their overall quality of life.