Poverty, Power and Justice Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is the definition of poverty according to Peter Townsend (1979)?
Individuals, families, and groups in the population can be said to be in poverty when they lack the resources to obtain the types of diet, participate in the activities, and have the living conditions and amenities which are customary, or at least widely encouraged or approved, in the societies to which they belong.
This definition emphasizes the social context of poverty beyond mere economic factors.
What percentage of people in Australia live below the poverty line as of 2019-20?
More than one in eight people (13.4%) and one in six children (16.6%) live below the poverty line after taking account of housing costs.
This translates to over three million people, including 761,000 children.
What is the average poverty gap for households below the poverty line?
The average poverty gap is $304 per week below the poverty line, which is 42% of the poverty line.
This gap is calculated after deducting housing costs.
What is the definition of poverty lines?
A level of income below which people are regarded as living in poverty, typically defined as 50% or 60% of median income (minus housing costs).
The calculation often considers income after housing costs, as housing is a significant expense.
What are some indicators of poverty?
- Poor health
- Deprivation
- Financial stress
- Lower rates of educational attendance and achievement
These indicators reflect the multifaceted nature of poverty.
What is the ‘working poor’ phenomenon?
An increasing number of Australian households in poverty, even with one adult in work, largely due to rapidly rising housing and living costs.
This may include individuals working part-time or casually.
Name different forms of poverty based on qualitative indicators.
- Food poverty
- Housing poverty
- Fuel poverty
- Health poverty
These categories help in understanding the specific areas where individuals may experience deprivation.
What is the moral approach to understanding the causes of poverty?
The moral approach suggests that the poor are responsible for their own situation, attributing poverty to character deficiencies and social Darwinism.
This perspective often leads to punitive measures against those in poverty.
What does the systemic approach to poverty emphasize?
The systemic approach highlights structural inequality and the life chances associated with socio-economic status, suggesting that some people have greater opportunities than others to develop and exercise their potential.
This approach acknowledges that circumstances of birth can significantly affect future opportunities.
What is the significance of non-economic capital in relation to poverty?
Non-economic capital refers to social and cultural resources that influence an individual’s opportunities and ability to navigate societal structures effectively.
Bourdieu identifies three types: cultural, symbolic, and social capital.
How does poverty relate to the prison population?
- 48% of prison inmates were long-term unemployed
- 36% did not complete Year 10
- 25% were homeless upon entering prison
- 79% would be reliant on Centrelink upon release
These statistics highlight the intersection of poverty and criminal justice issues.
True or False: Women have been disproportionately affected by poverty in the economic downturn due to Covid-19.
True
Employment levels for women, particularly those under 20 and in their 40s and 50s, have seen significant declines.
Fill in the blank: The poverty line based on 50% of median household income for a couple with two children is _______.
$1,027 per week
This figure is critical for understanding the economic thresholds defining poverty.
What type of relationships do some parents have with schools?
Distant relationships
This does not indicate a lack of interest in education but a lack of understanding of how to engage with schools and teachers.
What is poverty defined as in the text?
A lack of non-economic capital
Can wealthy individuals lack non-economic capital?
Yes, for example, lottery winners may lack non-economic capital
What do some poor but educated immigrants possess?
Some non-economic capital, mostly cultural
Who often has better access to private education and selective university programs?
Wealthy individuals
Addressing poverty requires understanding of what forms of capital?
Cultural, symbolic, and social forms of capital
What was the monetary amount given to half of the homeless participants in the study?
$7500 (Cdn)
What percentage of their money did cash recipients spend on food and rent?
52%
What was the reduction in spending on alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs among cash recipients?
39%
What potential impact might ongoing cost of living issues have on poverty?
It may exacerbate poverty
What were the Living Cost Indexes (LCIs) increase percentage ranges in the June 2023 quarter?
0.8% to 1.5%
