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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the causes of poverty and different responses to addressing them.

      Key learning points

      1. Poverty is driven by unemployment, lack of education, discrimination, corruption, conflict, and inflation
      2. Global issues like natural disasters, climate change and worker exploitation make poverty worse.
      3. Liberation Theology prioritises the poor and challenges unjust systems through activism.
      4. Christian Aid provides relief, supports development and promotes justice based on Christian values.
      5. Humanists are motivated to address poverty's causes, as they support the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

      Keywords

      • Cause - a factor or condition that leads to or contributes to something

      • Christian Aid - a Christian charity founded in 1945 that tackles poverty, injustice and inequality through aid and advocacy

      • Liberation theology - a Christian movement developed by Latin American Roman Catholics which interprets Jesus' teachings as a call to defend the oppressed, and seeks to address poverty and social injustice

      Common misconception

      Charitable giving will solve poverty.

      While charity helps, long-term solutions require addressing the root causes of poverty, such as unfair wages, corruption and climate change.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage students to think critically about the root causes of poverty by using real-world examples. Challenge simplistic views by asking, "is poverty always the result of personal choices, or are there wider social and economic factors at play?".

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Jesus said, “It is easier for a to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

      Correct Answer: camel, Camel

      Q2.
      A is the practice of giving 10% of income to the Church or charity.

      Correct Answer: tithe, Tithe

      Q3.
      Why do some Christians see wealth as dangerous?

      Correct answer: It can lead to greed and neglect of others.
      The Bible teaches that all wealth is evil.
      It means people don’t need God.

      Q4.
      What does the Parable of the Talents teach?

      People should not invest their money.
      Saving money is more important than helping others.
      Correct answer: Wealth should be used wisely.

      Q5.
      How do Quakers view wealth?

      They believe wealth is a sign of God’s favour.
      Correct answer: They advocate simple living.
      They aim to accumulate as much wealth as possible.

      Q6.
      Why do many Christians believe in giving to charity?

      Correct answer: The Bible teaches generosity.
      It guarantees entrance to heaven.
      It is required by law.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Romero was a priest who spoke out against injustice in El Salvador.

      Correct Answer: Oscar, oscar

      Q2.
      The Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living.

      Correct Answer: Universal, universal

      Q3.
      Christian is a charity that tackles poverty through relief and development.

      Correct Answer: Aid, aid

      Q4.
      What is the main focus of Liberation Theology?

      Correct answer: Challenging unjust social structures
      Encouraging only spiritual guidance
      Providing food and shelter without activism

      Q5.
      How does Christian Aid help tackle poverty?

      Focusing only on emergency aid
      Supporting governments rather than communities
      Correct answer: Providing relief and advocating for justice

      Q6.
      Why do Humanists believe poverty should be addressed?

      They believe poverty is necessary for economic growth
      Correct answer: They support human rights for all
      They think only religious groups should help

      To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Tackling poverty and its causes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...