Underclass

• The Underclass is a controversial term and not many identify with this term
• The term 'Underclass' was originally used by sociologists from conflict perspectives who wanted to draw attention to social exclusion experienced by those at the very bottom of society (who lacked opportunities in education, health etc.)
• The term 'Underclass' is now used in a negative way to describe those who rely on benefits and are blamed for their own situation due to the choices they've made
• The cons of the term 'underclass' is that it states that it is people who rely on benefits, but some benefits are necessary for those with disabilities and the study was only on Young Black Men who has least opportunities due to discrimination
• The term 'Underclass' was coined by sociologist Charles Murray (1984)
• Charles Murray (1984) argued that over generous benefits encourages people to develop a culture or set of norms/values, in which they don't take responsibility for their own actions and have an expectation they will be looked after by the state