Source A: Poverty Comparison Between 1900 and Present Day

Source A is an extract from a 2018 article published on The Conversation website. It compares poverty levels between 1900 and the present day, highlighting the similarities and differences.

Key points from Source A:

• Society is wealthier now than in 1900
• The current definition of poverty is based on income below 60% of national median income
• Homelessness and food bank usage are increasing, suggesting absolute poverty comparable to the 1900s
• The welfare state improved living standards and reduced inequality, peaking in the 1970s
• Poverty and inequality have grown since 1979, with a return of stigmatization of benefit recipients

Vocabulary: Welfare state - A system where the government takes responsibility for protecting and promoting the well-being of its citizens, particularly in matters of health, education, unemployment, and social security.

Quote: "After all the change and hope, and all the wealth generated in the 20th century, too often it was short-lived, and century-old problems remain or have now returned."

This source provides students with a contemporary perspective on poverty, allowing them to analyze how the issue has evolved over time and consider the effectiveness of social policies.