Is elimination of poverty possible? Discuss by explaining the definitions and causes of extreme and relative poverty, providing one or more examples of solutions to poverty globally and/or in Australia, and critically analysing the strengths and weaknesse
Essay question
Students are required to write a 2000 word essay addressing the following question:
“Is elimination of poverty possible? Discuss by explaining the definitions and causes of extreme and relative poverty, providing one or more examples of solutions to poverty globally and/or in Australia, and critically analysing the strengths and weaknesses of your solutions.”
This essay will require you to research and reason on the topic. You can focus on known solutions which you discover in the course of your research, or conceptualise and design innovative solutions. You will apply your knowledge to analyse, synthesise and evaluate research on extreme and relative poverty, and potential solution/s. You will need to be clear about the distinction between extreme poverty and relative poverty.
You can focus on a small number of solutions. The assignment is not about comprehensively researching all known solutions to poverty, but understanding why an idea is considered a potential solution, and being able to critically analyse that solution and the issue of poverty in general.
Reading and writing support
In the Week 3 Workshop, a University Librarian will be running a session on research skills. At this session you will have the chance to learn the basics of scholarly referencing and research. These skills are critical to meeting the marking criteria of the research essay.
In terms of the readings for the essay, begin with readings listed in the unit outline. You should then begin the task of checking for authoritative sources (for example, through Google Scholar, or through OneSearch on the UWA Library web page) which provide additional important evidence relating to the points you are making. Included at the bottom of this note are suggested readings to start your search with. Back your statements derived from your reading (written in your own words) with appropriate references using in-text referencing. Use direct quotes sparingly and note that plagiarism software will be utilised to review your essay.
If you feel you need support with reading and writing skills, take advantage of the WRITESmart workshops run by the University, which include 15 minute drop-in sessions (no need to book) from 10am-12pm noon, Monday to Friday during semester, Reid Library, ground floor. Of course you can also approach your tutor at any time if you have queries relating to the essay. Tutors can give general advice on drafts of your essay but they cannot re-write them or give advice that is too specific.
Structure of the Essay
You are expected to produce a high quality document that is suitably formatted and includes relevant references. Please use 12 point font, single spacing and Harvard referencing. See here for the Harvard referencing guide.
The essay should be divided into sections (around four to five) including an introduction and conclusion. The introduction should detail how you will address the essay question, give the reader an idea of the direction of your ‘story’, telling the reader where you are going and include a sentence providing the structure of the essay. Remaining sections cover off on key topic areas. Include a conclusion which highlights the key thoughts you want the reader to take away.
2000 words does not include references. You should include the word count on the title page.
The essay is due at 11pm on 23 September 2019 and is to be submitted through the LMS link on the Unit page. Late assignments will accrue a 10% penalty per day & receive zero after 7 days.
Submission
- Submission is via LMS
- Click Assessment Tab
- Click on Assignment
Go to Assignment Submission and upload your word document assignment from there.
Marking guide
| Component | Weighting |
| Definitions of extreme and relative poverty. Evidence awareness of the literature when explaining the terms. | 20 |
| Causes and solutions. Evidence awareness of the literature when discussing and critically analysing causes and solutions. | 20 |
| Critical thinking. The depth and strength of the argument used to answer the main question (is elimination of poverty possible?) and the evidence used to back your argument. | 20 |
| Creativity. Creativity can be used in several ways, including in the way an argument is constructed, in the development of an innovative solution, or in unique insights and perspectives into the question. | 15 |
| Referencing and scholarship. Wide, authoritative and appropriate selected references and use of appropriate referencing style and conventions (Harvard). | 15 |
| Writing style and structure. Quality of grammar, writing style and expression, structured into clear and well formulated sections including introduction, body and conclusion. | 10 |
| *Marked out of 100 and scaled to a score out of 30. | 100* |
Suggested Readings
Extreme poverty
World Bank; International Monetary Fund (2016), Global Monitoring Report 2015/2016 : Development Goals in an Era of Demographic Change. Washington, DC: World Bank. © World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/22547 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.
World Bank (2015), A Measured Approach to Ending Poverty and Boosting Shared Prosperity: Concepts, Data, and the Twin Goals. Policy Research Report. Washington, DC: World Bank. doi:10.1596/978-14648-0361-1.
Chandy, L., Kato, H., and Kharas, H. (2015) From a Billion to Zero: Three Key Ingredients to End Extreme Poverty Overview The Last Mile in Ending Extreme Poverty Brookings Institution Press http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Press/Books/2015/the-last-mile/Overview.pdf?la=en
Relative poverty in Australia
Saunders, P. and Bradbury, B. (2006), Monitoring Trends in Poverty and Income Distribution: Data, Methodology and Measurement, Economic Record, 82: 341–364. doi:10.1111/j.14754932.2006.00344.x
Committee for Economic Development (CEDA) (2015) Addressing Ending entrenched disadvantage in Australia http://www.ceda.com.au/research-and-policy/policy-priorities/disadvantage
Saunders, P. (2017) Housing costs, poverty and inequality in Australia, Housing Studies, 32: 742-757, DOI: 10.1080/02673037.2016.1229757 [Google Scholar – One Search]
Saunders, P., Wong, M., & Bradbury, B. (2016), Poverty in Australia since the financial crisis: the role of housing costs, income growth and unemployment, Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 24: 97-112. [Google Scholar – One Search]
The Brotherhood of St Laurence Social Exclusion Monitor http://www.bsl.org.au/research-andpublications/social-exclusion-monitor/
Wilkins, R (2007), The Changing Socio-Demographic Composition of Poverty in Australia: 1982 to 2004, Australian Journal of Social Issues,42: 481–501. [Google Scholar – One Search]
Henderson, R.F. (1975), Poverty in Australia: First Main Report, April 1975, Commission of Inquiry into Poverty, AGPS, Canberra.
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