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Perceptions of Poverty - Communicating Our Ambitions
56. For those unfamiliar with Scottish and UK policies on poverty, inequality and deprivation in recent years the language used can be complex and confusing. 'Social justice', 'social inclusion', 'relative and absolute poverty', 'income inequality', 'Closing the Opportunity Gap', 'Opportunity for All', and 'material disadvantage' have all been in common use in recent years.
57. At the same time there is a growing concern among academics and the Third Sector that people suffering from poverty and disadvantage are increasingly viewed as 'someone else' and that the families affected can be split into the 'deserving' and 'undeserving' poor by some commentators.
56. We do not believe this is helpful and will be seeking views during the consultation period on how best to communicate with the whole of Scottish society - those affected by poverty, inequality and deprivation, those in higher income households, the business sector, and service providers. We will need the support of all sections of society if we are to succeed.
58. This discussion document is deliberately couched in the terminology used consistently by the new Scottish Government - the Government Economic Strategy, fairness and equity, Solidarity and the other Golden Rules. We believe that this language is more easily understood by all parts of Scottish society and we will be seeking views during the consultation process on whether you agree that this change is helpful.
59. We are also keen to seek consultees' views on whether the resultant framework, and its constituent parts, need to be 'labelled' in particular ways in order that we can connect with all necessary stakeholders. For example, when considering how we improve people's skills and qualifications, does the language of "better life chances" make sense? In considering all of this, we are anxious that a focus on "poverty" does not narrow our focus unnecessarily. As we have made clear earlier in this paper, "poverty" comprises more than just financial income, it also implies a lack of access to services and opportunities and sometimes a lack of personal resilience and capacity that we consider must be central to our approach.
60. Key questions:
- How do we best go about engaging the wider public in efforts to tackle poverty in Scotland?
- What kind of language should we use in order to communicate effectively on these issues?
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