Lesson Starter

What will I learn? Explain what is meant by the term ‘social exclusion’ •Explain reasons, both political and social / economic, for the continued existence of poverty in the UK

Social Exclusion The government has defined social exclusion as "what can happen when people or areas suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime, bad health and family breakdown. People who are ‘socially excluded’ are more likely to: Lack employment Have poor employment and social skills Live on a low income Not value education Have poorer housing and health Live alone

Causes and consequences of Social Exclusion There are many, but the following are considered to be the most significant. Long term unemployment - This causes not just poverty, but a lack of confidence and self esteem. A person’s mental health can suffer through being out of work and missing the “banter” and feel-good effect of doing a fulfilling job. Long term unemployment can lead to debt, a poor diet and poor physical health.

What Causes Social Exclusion? The causes of social exclusion are complicated. Arguably, social exclusion has been partly caused by the policies of successive government. On the other hand, changes in employment patterns, attitudes within society and the lifestyle choices of individuals, can also result in people becoming socially excluded. What is without argument is that social exclusion has increased in the last 20 years. Note: Recently, there has been a great deal of debate over the extent of social mobility in the UK. Social mobility is the term used to describe people moving up the social scale. Although it is possible for people to ‘rise and go’, many people believe social mobility has declined in recent years.

Causes and consequences of Social Exclusion Low Pay - The National Minimum Wage rose to £6.50 per hour in October 2014 for an adult over 21. Yet it must be hard to afford a foreign holiday, take the kids to a SPFL match, or go out for a meal. In some ways, it is harder to be low paid than unemployed, as the person may not be entitled to the same benefits the unemployed are. The so-called benefits trap is one of the main reasons why unemployed people may choose not to work.

Causes and consequences of Social Exclusion Lack of Education - Education is the key to prosperity. The well paid jobs in society are increasingly only open to graduates. University also allows people to develop the “soft skills” of communicating and “networking” with others who will be the “movers and shakers” of the future. Some come up through contacts made at the golf or the rugby, games popular at university, especially with males. To get into university requires Highers. Sorry to put pressure on you, but…..

Causes and consequences of Social Exclusion Homelessness - Work is the way out of poverty. Yet it is difficult to find a job when there is no address to return applications to. It is difficult to be smart, confident and prepared for an interview without space and privacy. It is difficult even to know there are jobs available, when day to day survival is the priority.

Causes and consequences of Social Exclusion Crime - There are no doubts concerning the connection between socially excluded groups and crime. Most violent crime and robberies are committed in socially excluded areas, usually by people from those areas. There are plenty of law abiding poor people. But the fact remains that the chances of a person committing a criminal act from a socially excluded background are much greater. Inmates of jails are overwhelmingly from socially excluded backgrounds, just as the populations of universities are overwhelmingly from middle class backgrounds.

1.What is meant by the phrase ‘social exclusion’? Revision Questions 1.What is meant by the phrase ‘social exclusion’? 2.Describe the characteristics of someone ‘socially excluded’. 3.Complete a spider diagram to show the economic and social reasons for social exclusion.

I can… Explain what is meant by the term ‘social exclusion’. • Explain reasons, both political and social / economic, for the continued existence of poverty in the UK. 11