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Original poster

What is ‘deprivation’

257 replies

0None0 · 15/07/2021 10:29

It’s such a common term. I have my own idea what it means, but would like to hear other ideas. A lot of people and situations described as ‘deprived’ I would not consider to be deprived

OP posts:
Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:13

@ShowOfHands

Access to education as a concept and accessing education in real terms, are very different. There are many, many facets which deprive individuals of this access.
Such as?
OP posts:
MotionActivatedDog · 15/07/2021 13:14

Schools be provide all these things

Hopefully you’re not an English teacher.

Arsebucket · 15/07/2021 13:14

Such as the many things people have posted on the thread.

Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:16

@Lemonmelonsun

Everything above but... I'd add in an absence of care or love as well, as well as zero stimulation at all.
I think absence of care and love is a very big factor in what makes a child ‘deprived’
OP posts:
Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:17

@TheDevils

What do you mean by not having access to education? Everyone in the uk has access to education

It's far more complex than you think.

In what way?
OP posts:
1AngelicFruitCake · 15/07/2021 13:20

0None0

Yes schools can provide things but do parents ask, feel they can ask? Not all parents are happy to declare they need help. I’m a teacher. Children arrive not having slept properly, eaten properly, head full of worry about home. They aren’t in the frame of mind to soak up everything on offer at school. They aren’t cared for, materially and emotionally, they are told bad things about people outside the family so they can’t relax with others. I could go on and on and I wouldn’t claim to fully understand the massive challenges some children face.

roguetomato · 15/07/2021 13:22

@0None0

It’s such a common term. I have my own idea what it means, but would like to hear other ideas. A lot of people and situations described as ‘deprived’ I would not consider to be deprived
So, maybe it's polite to state what is your idea of what it means before asking others, so other posters can respond accordingly?

Pp has explained, but your responce is somewhat goady, tbh.

Arsebucket · 15/07/2021 13:24

@0None0 so what are those situations that you wouldn’t consider deprived?

doadeer · 15/07/2021 13:29

My sister was a teacher in a deprived area, the kids wouldn't turn up to exams as the parents told them not to bother, no breakfast, poor physical hygiene, actively discouraged from pursuing education past 16, abuse, sexual assault and self harm was rife - those poor kids might have had access to education but they weren't able to achieve what they could in other circumstances.

Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:29

@FlibbertyGiblets

What is your take on 'deprivation' please, OP?
I think it’s probably mostly not having a safe stable secure home. Children in damp housing, children in homes vulnerable to burglary and vandalism, children living in a home with an abuser, children in temporary accommodation, moved frequently, or with parents that move in and out with a different partner regularly.

This is what I have come to feel is the worst deprivation among children.

No safe secure stable home

And it has surprisingly little to do with income. Families can be earning well and still be homeless.

And I have over the years become more and more aware of bullying between siblings. Some children are not physically or mentally safe in Their own homes because of this.

And that can be wealthy privately educated children too

The longer I teach, the less I think deprivation is connected to income. It is far more connected to the type of home you are in. You can be very poor on a council estate. Not enough money for 3 meals a day. No hearing, no hot water, no washing machine. ( I raised children like this). That is not deprecation though. If your home is safe and secure

OP posts:
Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:30

*not deprevation

OP posts:
Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:32

I was well aware at the time when my children were little, that we fitted the ILEA definition of ‘below the bread line’- but I never felt we were ‘deprived’. So I was always a bit dubious about the term.

I do think it needs clearer defining so that society can prioritise, and I think housing should be a top priority.

OP posts:
4PawsGood · 15/07/2021 13:33

How is not enough food and no heating not deprivation?

Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:35

@doadeer

My sister was a teacher in a deprived area, the kids wouldn't turn up to exams as the parents told them not to bother, no breakfast, poor physical hygiene, actively discouraged from pursuing education past 16, abuse, sexual assault and self harm was rife - those poor kids might have had access to education but they weren't able to achieve what they could in other circumstances.
But do much is fine for these children to access education. I think a teenager choosing not to learn is a decision, not a depravation
OP posts:
Nonmaquillee · 15/07/2021 13:39

Really sorry OP but your constant misspelling of DEPRIVATION is teeth-grindingly annoying…are you really a teacher?

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 15/07/2021 13:42

@Nonmaquillee

Really sorry OP but your constant misspelling of DEPRIVATION is teeth-grindingly annoying…are you really a teacher?
I agree. It’s embarrassing.
Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:43

@Nonmaquillee

Really sorry OP but your constant misspelling of DEPRIVATION is teeth-grindingly annoying…are you really a teacher?
I’m on my phone
OP posts:
Mrsfrumble · 15/07/2021 13:45

I think a teenager choosing not to learn is a decision, not a depravation

It’s not likely to be an informed decision though, is it? You could argue that a lack of positive influences and role models is a form of deprivation at that age.

I agree with you on a safe, stable home environment though, and your point about the impact of sibling bullying not being recognised.

MotionActivatedDog · 15/07/2021 13:47

What’s the point of this thread Op? You clearly have a chip on your shoulder and will only accept answers that agree with what you believe.

Eviebeans · 15/07/2021 13:47

I think there are a range of things which mean you are "deprived".
I think the single most important factor in being deprived would be a lack of a stable home environment with people who are genuinely interested in and promoting your welfare. After that there are layers of other factors depending on your base line level.

Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:47

And no. I’m not remotely embarrassed by it! If you feel the need to waste your time and energy feeling embarrassed on my behalf, go right ahead! Feel freeGrin

OP posts:
Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:48

@Eviebeans

I think there are a range of things which mean you are "deprived". I think the single most important factor in being deprived would be a lack of a stable home environment with people who are genuinely interested in and promoting your welfare. After that there are layers of other factors depending on your base line level.
Yes I agree with this.
OP posts:
Eviebeans · 15/07/2021 13:49

Wrt a teenager choosing not to learn is a decision I feel that if they had the appropriate support and encouragement and sometimes even practical facilities (bus fare, decent clothing, the books etc) then they would be less likely to make that decision

Original poster
0None0 · 15/07/2021 13:51

@MotionActivatedDog

What’s the point of this thread Op? You clearly have a chip on your shoulder and will only accept answers that agree with what you believe.
The point is a discussion, and possibly some clarity for me personally moving forward. Where to direct my energies politically and socially. I am going to work half time next year, and I maybe want to be spending some time in politics and campaigning
OP posts:
PaulGallico · 15/07/2021 13:51

OP you have had some clear, detailed explanations of the term deprivation. I would read and digest.