With “950,000 individuals living in households regarded as experiencing ‘absolute poverty’.” and “870,000 individuals in Scotland living in households regarded as experiencing ‘relative poverty’”. (Poverty in Scotland, 2014: 91) It has long been argued that Scotland is a divided society. There are many ways, which will allow us to see to what extent Scotland is a divided society. To come to a balanced conclusion on to what extent Scotland is a divided society, we must look at several key factors. This includes gender and how men and women are treated in society, age and what divisions occur in the young and the elderly, class and how the bottom and the middle class are divided and finally, the disabled and to what extent they encounter divisions.
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In Scotland “one in five” (Poverty in Scotland, 2014: 114) children are living in poverty. Many argue that if a child is born into poverty, it is extremely hard for them to escape and the cycle repeats. However, the Scottish government is aiming to significantly reduce child poverty and have introduced a number of strategies to do so. In Scotland, education is free and children from P1-P3 receive free school meals, this guarantees children who may otherwise go without meals at least one healthy meal per day. The elderly in Scotland also encounter many divisions. It is estimated that by “2050 the 65+ will be 50% of the population” (Lecture 2 slideshow). The huge increase in the elderly population is due to the improving National Health Service and policies that have been put in place such as, the winter fuel payment – which helps the elderly pay heating bills during the winter. The increasing elderly population is likely to put huge strains on the British economy, this has “led to debates about the affordability of pensions for growing numbers of older people” (Social Policy in Britain, 282) which will ultimately lead to cutbacks. However, many elderly people find it hard to keep a job or find one. It can often be seen that the elderly are not as skilled as younger people and therefore they miss out, this leads to many “living in or near poverty” (Social Policy in Britain, 282). Although cutbacks may be needed to help the government cope with the increasing population, the elderly may find it harder. Overall, it is clear to see that divisions in age are still relevant in Scotland. Whether it is the fact that 20% of Scotland’s children live in poverty or that the increasingly ageing population is struggling to find jobs and afford to live in todays
In Scotland “one in five” (Poverty in Scotland, 2014: 114) children are living in poverty. Many argue that if a child is born into poverty, it is extremely hard for them to escape and the cycle repeats. However, the Scottish government is aiming to significantly reduce child poverty and have introduced a number of strategies to do so. In Scotland, education is free and children from P1-P3 receive free school meals, this guarantees children who may otherwise go without meals at least one healthy meal per day. The elderly in Scotland also encounter many divisions. It is estimated that by “2050 the 65+ will be 50% of the population” (Lecture 2 slideshow). The huge increase in the elderly population is due to the improving National Health Service and policies that have been put in place such as, the winter fuel payment – which helps the elderly pay heating bills during the winter. The increasing elderly population is likely to put huge strains on the British economy, this has “led to debates about the affordability of pensions for growing numbers of older people” (Social Policy in Britain, 282) which will ultimately lead to cutbacks. However, many elderly people find it hard to keep a job or find one. It can often be seen that the elderly are not as skilled as younger people and therefore they miss out, this leads to many “living in or near poverty” (Social Policy in Britain, 282). Although cutbacks may be needed to help the government cope with the increasing population, the elderly may find it harder. Overall, it is clear to see that divisions in age are still relevant in Scotland. Whether it is the fact that 20% of Scotland’s children live in poverty or that the increasingly ageing population is struggling to find jobs and afford to live in todays