Social Structure and Poverty in Canada
Social Structure and Poverty
Poverty is an issue that is worldwide and continuously difficult to contend with especially when there is varying degrees of social disparities and inequities. Stratification and social structure contributes in defining individuals within society and puts the reality of inequality in various perspectives. In Canada, it is most difficult to define poverty since there is no actual poverty line to distinguish from but the most equivalent determinant is those families that spend a large amount of their income just on the basic necessities. The individuals most likely to be classified as living in poverty or has the increased chance are those who are ill and disabled, aboriginals, recent immigrants, farming regions, fishing communities, single parents and unattached individuals aged 45 and over. Single mothers and unattached women over the age of 45 are at the very top in being identified for women’s income is significantly lower than men’s and issues with the lack of affordable child care as well as sex discrimination in the workforce. Women are still not offered high end job opportunities compared to men and therefore, cannot secure all the necessary financing and so the women are more represented in part-time and minimum wage work contributing to increased rates of poverty. Individuals who tend to have inadequate education, training and skills are limited to employment opportunities, therefore can also result in poverty. Life chances may also contribute to the disadvantages one has economically, “Their opportunities to provide themselves with material goods, positive living conditions, and favourable life experiences” (McGraw-Hill Ryerson pg. 232). These life chances come about through stratification which in terms is established within a social structure. Stratification and social structure alike refers to the relationships and opportunities people occupy within a society. They both uphold and help our economy strive and function
Poverty is an issue that is worldwide and continuously difficult to contend with especially when there is varying degrees of social disparities and inequities. Stratification and social structure contributes in defining individuals within society and puts the reality of inequality in various perspectives. In Canada, it is most difficult to define poverty since there is no actual poverty line to distinguish from but the most equivalent determinant is those families that spend a large amount of their income just on the basic necessities. The individuals most likely to be classified as living in poverty or has the increased chance are those who are ill and disabled, aboriginals, recent immigrants, farming regions, fishing communities, single parents and unattached individuals aged 45 and over. Single mothers and unattached women over the age of 45 are at the very top in being identified for women’s income is significantly lower than men’s and issues with the lack of affordable child care as well as sex discrimination in the workforce. Women are still not offered high end job opportunities compared to men and therefore, cannot secure all the necessary financing and so the women are more represented in part-time and minimum wage work contributing to increased rates of poverty. Individuals who tend to have inadequate education, training and skills are limited to employment opportunities, therefore can also result in poverty. Life chances may also contribute to the disadvantages one has economically, “Their opportunities to provide themselves with material goods, positive living conditions, and favourable life experiences” (McGraw-Hill Ryerson pg. 232). These life chances come about through stratification which in terms is established within a social structure. Stratification and social structure alike refers to the relationships and opportunities people occupy within a society. They both uphold and help our economy strive and function