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‘Since the onset of the recession the number of people in poverty in Ireland has increased by more than 100,000 - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(a) - 2017
Question 3(a)
‘Since the onset of the recession the number of people in poverty in Ireland has increased by more than 100,000. Today there are more than 750,000 people living in p... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘Since the onset of the recession the number of people in poverty in Ireland has increased by more than 100,000 - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(a) - 2017
Step 1
Define poverty.
Answer
Poverty is defined as the condition of not having sufficient material possessions or income for a person’s basic needs of life. This includes inadequate access to food, clothing, and shelter, as well as insufficient income or resources that hinder individuals from participating in societal activities that are considered standard or acceptable.
Step 2
Explain each of the following: relative poverty.
Answer
Relative poverty refers to a standard of living that is considered inadequate when compared to the average standard of living in a society. This is typically defined in terms of income, where individuals are said to be in relative poverty if their income is below a certain percentage (often 50%) of the average household income, resulting in their inability to maintain a decent standard of living.
Step 3
Explain each of the following: absolute poverty.
Answer
Absolute poverty is characterized by the lack of basic human needs, such as food, clean water, sanitation, health care, shelter, and education. Individuals living in absolute poverty struggle to meet these essential needs and may lack the means to survive or maintain a minimum standard of living. This is often measured by specific thresholds, such as living on less than $1.90 per day.
Step 4
Name three groups of people at risk of poverty and state the effect of poverty on each group.
Answer
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Elderly people:
- Effect: Many elderly individuals may live in substandard accommodation due to their fixed income, leading to issues such as inadequate heating and nutrition.
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Unemployed people:
- Effect: Unemployment can result in loss of income, which affects mental health, leads to social isolation, and limits access to necessary services.
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Single parents:
- Effect: Single parents often face financial hardships raising children alone, which can result in poverty for both the parent and the children, impacting education and future opportunities.
Step 5
Name and give details of one voluntary organisation that provides support to people at risk of poverty.
Answer
One prominent voluntary organization is St. Vincent De Paul. This organization operates charity shops and provides support through food collections, clothing, accommodation, and education. They assist individuals and families in crisis situations by offering financial aid and practical support, aiming to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for those in need.