Material Deprivation - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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Material deprivation refers to the lack of basic resources and financial means necessary for individuals and families to maintain an adequate standard of living.

In the context of GCSE Sociology, it is particularly linked to educational outcomes, as students from materially deprived backgrounds may face challenges such as inadequate housing, poor nutrition, lack of access to educational materials, and limited opportunities for extracurricular activities. This can lead to disparities in academic achievement compared to their more affluent peers and is a key factor when analysing social inequality and its impact on education.

Understanding material deprivation helps students appreciate how economic factors can influence social structures and individual opportunities.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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