Poverty in Britain

Basically, poverty is measured using the poverty line which is determined by income and material possessions such as food, clothing, heating etc. If a household earns less than the average income for their social group then they are indirectly defined as being poor as they are lacking in income to maintain the basic resources to live within the society to which they belong. They are then eligible for support financially and socially from the government. This is an example of relative poverty. Absolute poverty is the minimum resources essential to maintain living. On the other hand, the type of poverty experienced in Britain is relative poverty. Basically, absolute poverty is very rare in Britain.

In Britain, the “poor” are mainly children, single parents, unemployed and people from certain ethnic backgrounds particularly Pakistani/Bangladeshi people. These social groups according to Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2000) are more likely to suffer from low income poverty, which is living in a house which is below 60 per cent of the median income after housing costs. There has been a steady widening of the health gap between rich and poor from the 1980's to 1990's. This has been reduced by more people achieving full employment, 2,500 deaths per year amongst those aged less than 65 would be prevented if full employment was to be achieved, also the government trying to eradicate child poverty could decrease the gap.

However, after a white report on inequality in 2005 stating that people now live about eight years longer than their poorer contemporaries (Guardian 2005). It was shown that the health of all social groups was continuing to improve but there was seen to be a widening in health inequalities using infant mortality and life expectancy as a measure with the gap between better off and poor. The government need to make more improvements in public health in order to close the gap, they could do this by helping to increase awareness of healthy eating and also encourage or offer more employment opportunities for less skilled workers.

Inadequate income or lack of an income is the most common cause of poverty in Britain. The unemployed may be unemployed because they do not have the skills for jobs or the education and qualifications needed. This suggests that children from a higher social class or with parents from professional backgrounds will be expected to go onto further education compared with those of a lower class. In addition, issues concerning on how a person has been educated on financial issues and values from parents being passed onto their children is also another cause of poverty. Aside from this, health conditions are also a factor of poverty.

Thus, if they have a condition or disability which hinders them from being able to work they will have to live off benefits. As they aren't well they may make themselves worse as their condition may prevent them from getting out much or partaking in social activities. They could have a condition or disability they were born with. Age can also determine poverty; pensioners are one of the main groups who suffer. This is due to people retiring and therefore not having a steady income and living off savings. Half of 0UK pensioners are in the poverty line. This is a very large proportion and it obviously a big problem.

Apparently, the Acheson Report stated that the death rates have fallen among men, woman and all social groups and life expectancy has increased. This shows that people are living longer and that the health care available to them is what is prolonging their life expectancy. Health care has improved vastly and it continues to improve and develop to adapt to today's population. For instance, a flu vaccine has now been introduced within the last few years on the National Health Service with emphasis on giving it to people over 65 and groups which are at high risk to the flu. This is an example of how the government are responding to reports, figures and the demand of the public.

People in the lower social classes are more likely to suffer from stress leading to coronary heart disease, strokes, suicides among men, and respiratory disease and lung cancer among woman. The lower classes may suffer from these stresses as they are more likely to be unemployed and unskilled leading them to worry about their financial situation and if they have a family how they will support them. Woman in the lower classes are more likely to suffer from mental disorders, this could be due to the increasing number of lone parents who are one of the main social groups who suffer from poverty in Britain.

To help reduce poverty in Britain the government outlined several proposals in the Black Report. They planned to introduce larger child benefits and maternity grants due to the fact that 60% of lone parents live on or below the poverty line (Black Report). This will help parents with food and clothing costs to care for children and less chance of material deprivation. The report also exercised that school meals should be provided without charge. For children in poverty this is good for their health as they can benefit from a balanced full meal at school which they may not get at home.

There are different government programs, charities and organizations which can help people in poverty. These may not all aimed at the poor specifically but at all social groups of all classes. Sure start is a government program which aims to help out parents with the care of their children and support them in their goals for employment and managing their finances. Age concern is a charity for the elderly; it helps elderly people to enjoy life and enables them to have a voice. One of their most recent policies is to prevent poverty and maximize income in retirement. Healthcare professionals can use their knowledge of the work of these programs and charities to advise their clients on where to go next.

Health professionals need to recognize that poor people are not irresponsible or lazy and most of the time it isn't their fault that they are in that position. They also must recognize that poverty can be the root of many problems people may be experiencing with education, health, food, money, behavior, family, employment, child care, social activities. Treating every client the same regardless of class, ethnicity or background is a fundamental rule for all health professionals to incorporate into practice.

From this essay and research it can be concluded that is it true that the poorer you are the poorer your health will be. The information included proves the original question.