To what extent is it possible to escape the poverty trap?
Cambridge
O level and GCSE
2022
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Free Essay Plan
I. Introduction
A. Definition of poverty trap
B. Thesis statement: The extent to which it is possible to escape the poverty trap is a complex issue with both arguments in favor and against.
II. Arguments for the Possibility of Escaping the Poverty Trap
A. Open societies and social mobility
B. Lottery or marriage
C. Government redistribution and opportunities for improvement
D. Meritocracy and achievable status
E. Free education and intergenerational mobility
III. Arguments Against the Possibility of Escaping the Poverty Trap
A. Welfare dependency and underclass
B. Cycle of inherited poverty
C. High costs of essential goods and services
D. Welfare benefits more generous than low-paid work
E. Limited opportunities for bulk shopping and insulation
F. High costs of second-hand goods and replacements
G. Lack of childcare and reduced employment opportunities
H. Difficulty in accessing bank loans and higher interest rates
I. Focus on work reducing academic opportunities
J. Low-paid/skilled employment with limited promotion opportunities
IV. Conclusion
A. Summary of arguments
B. Thesis restatement: While there are some avenues for escape, structural and systemic barriers make it difficult to fully overcome the poverty trap.
To What Extent is It Possible to Escape the Poverty Trap?
The “poverty trap” is a term used to describe the cycle of poverty that can be difficult to break free from. It is a complex issue with a multitude of contributing factors. This essay will explore the extent to which it is possible to escape the poverty trap, examining arguments both for and against.
Arguments for Escaping the Poverty Trap
One argument positing that escape from poverty is possible lies in the concept of social mobility. Many societies today, particularly democratic ones, pride themselves on being "open societies," where individuals, regardless of their background, can climb the social ladder. Free education systems, for instance, provide a ladder of opportunity for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain qualifications and improve their life chances. The existence of social mobility is often cited as evidence of a meritocracy, where hard work and talent, rather than social background, determine one's success.
Furthermore, government initiatives aimed at wealth redistribution, such as progressive taxation and welfare programs, provide a safety net for the poorest in society and offer opportunities for upward mobility. These programs can provide crucial support, such as housing benefits, food assistance, and access to healthcare, which can alleviate the immediate pressures of poverty and allow individuals to focus on improving their circumstances.
Arguments Against Escaping the Poverty Trap
However, critics argue that social mobility is often more aspiration than reality. The reality for many living in poverty is that they face significant obstacles that can seem insurmountable. The cycle of poverty is a powerful force; children born into poverty often lack the same opportunities as their wealthier peers. They may attend underfunded schools, lack access to essential resources, and face significant social stigma. This can lead to a perpetuation of poverty across generations, making it incredibly difficult to break free.
The nature of poverty itself can create a “poverty trap.” For example, the poor may not be able to afford the upfront costs of things that could save them money in the long run, such as buying in bulk or investing in energy-efficient appliances. They may rely on expensive credit options, like payday loans, due to a lack of access to traditional banking, trapping them in a cycle of debt. The high cost of living, particularly in relation to housing, childcare, and transportation, can consume a significant portion of low incomes, leaving little room for saving or investment in education or training.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the possibility of escaping the poverty trap is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While societal structures like social mobility and government assistance programs offer potential avenues for escape, the reality of systemic inequality, cyclical disadvantage, and the inherent nature of poverty present significant challenges. While individual success stories offer hope, addressing the root causes of poverty through comprehensive social and economic reforms remains crucial to providing genuine opportunities for escape for everyone.
Sources:
- Social Mobility Commission. (2020). State of the Nation 2020: Social Mobility in Great Britain. - Payne, G. (2017). Social Divisions. (4th ed.). Palgrave.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
To what extent is it possible to escape the poverty trap?
Possible answers:
Arguments for:
- Most societies these days are open societies so the poor can move up the social ladder and out of poverty.
- Some individuals may win the lottery or marry a wealthy person, thus changing their economic position.
- Governments redistribute wealth giving poor individuals opportunities to improve their life chances.
- We live in a meritocracy where status and wealth are achievable.
- Free education exists in many societies, enabling poor children to achieve intergenerational social mobility.
- Any other reasonable response.
Arguments against:
- The poor may find themselves becoming dependent on welfare and as such sink into the underclass.
- A cycle of poverty exists where poverty tends to be inherited so the new generation can’t escape the poverty of their parents.
- The poor cannot afford to travel to cheap supermarkets so they must shop at expensive local shops.
- Welfare benefits in some cases are more generous than low-paid work, so many poor people choose to remain on benefits rather than entering the job market.
- The poor cannot afford to buy in bulk, which is cheaper, so shopping is more expensive, keeping people in poverty.
- The poor cannot afford to insulate their homes, so they pay more proportionally in heating costs, leaving them in poverty.
- The poor cannot afford to buy new things; they purchase second-hand goods which are likely to break down and need replacing, costing more money in the long run.
- The poor can’t always afford things like childcare, so their opportunities for paid employment are reduced, preventing them from escaping poverty.
- The poor can’t borrow money from a bank; they have to borrow from other lenders who charge more interest, causing them to remain in poverty.
- The poor must focus on work, and this may reduce academic opportunities for escaping poverty.
- The poor are often in employment that is low-paid/skilled and has few opportunities for promotion, hence limiting their chances for escaping poverty.
- Any other reasonable response.