Social Issues in the UK Health and

Wealth Inequalities

National

Qualifications

Today we will…

• Define the meaning of the term ‘social exclusion’

• Identify which groups are most likely to be socially excluded

• Compare those in society who are excluded and not excluded

Success Criteria• I will be able to work as part of a

group to work out the meaning of the term ‘social exclusion’

• I will be able to identify the groups in society that may be socially excluded

• I will be able to compare the differences between those who are excluded and those who are not

What is social exclusion?

• Talk in your groups about what you think social exclusion is.

• The picture is a clue

Social Exclusion

• In basic terms…this is when people are EXCLUDED (not included) from what the rest of SOCIETY is doing.

Social Exclusion

• It is the failure of society to provide certain individuals and groups with the rights and benefits normally available to its members, such as employment, decent housing, health care, education and training and social relationships.

• More generally, people that are socially excluded are often unable to do the things that the rest of society can.

Social Exclusion

• You will learn about two Glaswegians – Quentin and Jordan.

• Read their stories and then complete the task which follows.

Task – Look at the case studies and use the information to complete the table below. The first part has been done for you.

Quentin – included Jordan - excluded

•Lives in an affluent area (Bearsden)

•Lives in a deprived area (Drumchapel)

Social Exclusion

• Socially excluded individuals and groups may be excluded from:

1. A decent income and resources2. Jobs3. Services (e.g. schools, hospitals)4. Relationships (friends and family)

1. Exclusion from a decent income and resources

This happens for a variety of reasons.– Low paid job– Large family– The person is on benefits

– Whatever the reason they do not have enough money to gain access to the things the majority of people take for granted.

2. Exclusion from jobs

– This may be due to poor qualifications, racism and discrimination etc.

– May lead to working in low paid jobs or claiming benefits

• However many are excluded.• Over 5% of the population have been

disconnected from water, gas, electricity or their phone.

• 10% more say they can afford these utilities but only if they barely use them.

3. Exclusion from servicesAccess to health, education and housing is a basic human right

4. Exclusion from relationships

• 10% of the population are excluded from many social activities– Celebrating a birthday– Spending Christmas with family– Going to a wedding

• 12% of the population say they have no contact on a daily basis with a friend, family member or neighbours.

• People who care for others such as carers of older people and ill or disabled people can feel socially excluded.

Social Exclusion

•The example of Jordan Ferguson was perhaps extreme. In many cases social exclusion is harder to see but it still exists.

•In our topic we will focus on people who are excluded because of ECONOMIC reasons (to do with money) however people can be socially excluded for various reasons.

Who is socially excluded

• What groups in society are socially excluded?

What groups are most likely to be socially

excluded?

SOCIALLY EXCLUDED

GROUPS

Ethnic minorities

Women

The disabled The poor

Lone parents

Young people

The elderly

Task

• For each group, explain, in detail, why they might be socially excluded.

1. Ethnic minorities2. Women3. The disabled4. The poor5. Lone parents6. Young people7. The elderly

KU Question

• Explain, in detail, why some groups in society may be socially excluded.

8 marks

To answer this question:

Pick 4 groups that may be

socially excluded and

explain why, with examples.

Model Answer

• One group which is likely to be socially excluded is lone parents. This is because lone parents are often under extreme financial pressure and have to balance looking after children which finding work. This often leads to lone parents being on benefits and being unable to afford to do things that other people in society can.

• Another group which may be excluded from society is ethnic minorities. People from minority backgrounds may feel excluded from jobs because of racial discrimination. In addition, ethnic minorities may not be as familiar with the language and customs of the country they are in and so may not feel part of wider society.

Homework

• Carry out internet research to find out what percentage of children live in poverty in:

1. Britain2. Scotland3. Glasgow

Tip – your research can be used for examples in KU questions

Child Poverty

• UK – 27%

• Scotland – 20%

• Glasgow – 33%

(Figures from the Pressure Group – Child Poverty Action Group, CPAG)

Older People and Social Exclusion

• http://www.ilcuk.org.uk/index.php/publications/publication_details/is_social_exclusion_still_important_for_older_people

Success Criteria• I will be able to work as part of a

group to work out the meaning of the term ‘social exclusion’

• I will be able to identify the groups in society that may be socially excluded

• I will be able to compare the differences between those who are excluded and those who are not