How Does Poverty Persist In Britain Today

Poverty persists in Britain today. Discuss

Sociologists disagree on the definitions, causes and solutions of poverty.
This essay will discuss firstly the definitions of poverty, including Seebohm Rowntree and Peter Townsend, then the causes which will cover both left and right wing theories, and finally the solutions of poverty which will look at welfare reforms.

Sociologists have in the past defined poverty in three terms, absolute, relative and essential poverty.
Many longitudinal studies have been carried out in the past 200 years to attempt to measure poverty.
One of the first studies was conducted by Seebohm Rowntree in 1899. Rowntree was a rich industrialist who lived in York.
He defined the poverty line in terms of the amount
It was discovered that 2/3rds of those in poverty were on state benefits and that 2/3rds of single parents were poor in 1990 compared to just half that in 1983. (Adcock, P, 1997)

Some sociologists argue that the two surveys conducted by Mack and Lansley are not strictly comparable as the second survey included new items in the deprivation index.
It is argued that it is a majority rather than a consensual approach, for example, they are still ignoring the cultural differences in living styles and standards that might be experienced in such a culturally diverse society.
Many right wing sociologists argue that Mack and Lansley were researching inequality rather that poverty. It seems that although researchers have tried to make their items in the deprivation index reflect the opinions of the average, they still disagree on the definitions of poverty. (Taylor, P et al, 2002) (Adcock, P, 1997)

Sociologists from both left and right wing perspectives have very different views on the causes of
He argued that the poor have a very distinctive culture, with norms and values which are very different to mainstream culture. Lewis thought the poor were fatalistic, anti educational, present time orientated and had a high degree of marginalisation. He thought they had an attitude of resignation. This means that they have accepted their fate and that they have learnt their attitudes of their surroundings, meaning that they are not psychologically geared into taking advantage of opportunities which may come their way. This culture is learnt at an early age and is seen as a way of life which is passed down through the family from parent to child. (Taylor, P et al,