Active learning ideas
Poverty and inequality remain persistent challenges in Irish society. This topic investigates how poverty is measured, who is most at risk, and the long-term impact of the 'cycle of poverty' on education and health. Students examine the NCCA LCA Social Education module on wealth distribution, looking at the role of the social welfare system and the difference between absolute and relative poverty.
Activity 01
Students are given a typical social welfare payment and a list of essential monthly expenses (rent, heat, food, transport). They must try to balance the budget and discuss the trade-offs they had to make.
How is poverty measured in Ireland?
Activity 02
Students view data and stories about different groups at risk of poverty, such as lone parents, people with disabilities, and the working poor. They identify common barriers these groups face.
What groups are most at risk of experiencing poverty?
Activity 03
The class debates the merits of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) versus the current targeted social welfare system. Students must consider the impact on poverty reduction and work incentives.
How does the social welfare system attempt to reduce inequality?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Poverty only means not having enough food or shelter.
Teachers should introduce the concept of 'relative poverty,' which is about being unable to participate in the normal life of the community. Active learning exercises comparing standard of living vs. quality of life help clarify this.
People are in poverty because they don't want to work.
It is important to discuss the 'working poor', people who have jobs but still live below the poverty line due to low wages or high costs. Peer-led research into the 'poverty trap' can show how difficult it is to move out of poverty.
Methods used in this brief