1.1 Describe the social, economic and cultural factors that will impact on the lives of children and young people

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Describe the social, economic and cultural factors that will impact on the lives of children and young people.

Every child’s life is shaped by a mix of social, economic and cultural influences. These factors affect their health, development, education and sense of belonging. Understanding each of them can help you provide the right support in your role.

Social Factors

Social factors relate to everyday living situations, relationships and community connections. These often have a strong effect on how children feel and behave.

Family Structure

Home life has a big role in development. Children may live with both parents, one parent, extended family, foster carers or in residential care. Some families may be stable for many years, while others experience frequent change.

Different structures include:

• Nuclear families, where parents live together with their children
• Single-parent families, where one parent has full or shared care
• Blended families, where step-parents and step-siblings join the household
• Kinship care, where relatives take on the role of primary carers
• Foster care or adoption placements

Changes such as divorce, separation or new partners can create uncertainty. Children may show changes in mood, behaviour or school performance as they adjust.

Housing Conditions

Living conditions affect health, routines and access to play or learning. Poor housing may be overcrowded, damp or cold. Temporary accommodation, such as a hostel, can be noisy and disruptive.

Possible impacts:

• Increased illness from damp or cold
• Limited space to do homework or play
• Feeling unsettled by frequent moves

Peer Influence

Positive friendships help children develop social skills and self-esteem. Negative peer pressure can lead to risk-taking or poor school attendance. Bullying can create fear, anxiety and isolation.

Signs of negative impact include:

• Avoidance of certain places or people
• Changes in appearance or self-care
• Drop in confidence or willingness to participate

Access to Education

School is more than academic learning. It is a place for social development and structure. Barriers to access include lack of transport, frequent absences, unmet learning needs or changing schools repeatedly.

Impacts on development:

• Falling behind academically
• Difficulty forming friendships
• Reduced confidence and engagement

Access to Health Services

Children need access to doctors, nurses, dentists, mental health services and therapists. When this access is limited or delayed, problems may become worse.

With good access to services:

• Health issues can be identified early
• Families receive advice and support
• Children’s development is monitored and guided

Economic Factors

Economic factors concern money, employment and resources. They can strongly affect a child’s opportunities and living standards.

Family Income

A low household income can limit access to essentials such as healthy food, clothing and heating. Children from families with higher incomes may have greater access to resources and opportunities.

Effects of low income:

• Poor nutrition affecting health and concentration
• Being excluded from school trips or clubs
• Wearing worn-out clothing leading to embarrassment or bullying

Employment Status of Parents or Carers

Parents with steady jobs may provide financial stability, but long hours can reduce family time. Unemployment can create stress, loss of routine and reduced self-esteem for adults, which can spill over into the child’s experience.

Key points:

• Job loss can quickly reduce income
• Shift work can disrupt family routines
• Parental stress can impact relationships with children

Debt and Financial Pressure

Long-term debt can lead to anxiety and strained relationships within the family. Children often sense financial worries, even if not directly told.

Possible emotional impacts:

• Feeling guilty about asking for items or activities
• Increased anxiety about family stability
• Frustration or embarrassment if unable to join peers in activities

Access to Learning Resources

Books, internet access, computers and extracurricular activities can enrich learning. Families with fewer resources may face barriers in supporting schoolwork or broadening a child’s experiences.

Examples:

• No quiet space for study
• Limited or no internet access at home
• Few chances for sports, arts or music lessons

Cultural Factors

Cultural factors involve traditions, beliefs, languages and ways of life. These shape a child’s identity and how they relate to the wider community.

Religion and Beliefs

Faith can guide a family’s values, routines and celebrations. It can build a strong sense of belonging. It may also create differences from the wider peer group that a child must navigate.

Possible influences:

• Set times for prayer or worship
• Dietary rules and dress codes
• Participation in religious festivals and events

Language

Families who speak another first language may need extra communication support in education and health settings. Being bilingual can be an advantage, yet lack of English skills may cause isolation or reduced access to services.

Effects may include:

• Slower start in literacy skills in English
• Risk of exclusion if misunderstandings occur
• Pride and connection to cultural heritage through language

Ethnic Identity

Ethnic background shapes traditions, diet, dress and communication styles. It can be a source of pride and cultural strength. It can also lead to experiences of discrimination or prejudice, which can affect emotional wellbeing.

Gender Roles

In some cultures, expectations for boys and girls differ. This can affect activities, education choices and personal freedom.

Possible outcomes:

• Limited participation in certain subjects or sports
• Development of interests shaped by traditional roles
• Confidence levels influenced by how roles are valued

Community Influence

Living in an area where others share similar cultural backgrounds can support identity. Living in a more mixed community may lead to exposure to different viewpoints and ways of life. This can broaden understanding or create challenges if there is prejudice.

How Factors Link Together

Social, economic and cultural issues often connect. A parent’s unemployment can lead to poverty, which can affect housing quality, access to resources and school attendance. Cultural differences may affect language skills and access to services, magnifying the challenges if the family also faces economic hardship.

Likewise, strengths in one area can help in another. A strong and supportive community network may reduce the effects of low income or housing issues. A committed school can bridge language gaps or provide inclusion for children from minority backgrounds.

Supporting Children Affected by These Factors

Workers can act to reduce the negative effects of these influences by:

• Building trust with children and families
• Observing and recording changes in behaviour or mood
• Encouraging participation in free or low-cost activities
• Liaising with support services for health, education and welfare
• Celebrating cultural diversity and promoting inclusion in the setting
• Offering practical help, such as homework clubs or free school meal information

Role of Law and Policy

Several key laws protect and support children in England:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004 set duties for safeguarding and promoting welfare
• The Equality Act 2010 protects from discrimination based on race, religion, gender or disability
• The Education Act provides the right to free education
• The Child Poverty Act seeks to reduce levels of child poverty

Policies in schools and childcare settings should reflect these legal duties. This can mean providing translation services, making reasonable adjustments for disabilities or tackling all forms of discrimination.

Building Resilience in Children

Resilience means coping well with change, stress or setbacks. Workers can encourage resilience through:

• Consistent support and encouragement
• Giving children safe spaces to share feelings
• Recognising and celebrating achievements
• Providing opportunities to develop skills and independence
• Helping children set realistic, positive goals

Resilience does not remove challenges, but it can help children face them without long-term harm to confidence or motivation.

Final Thoughts

Social, economic and cultural factors touch every part of a child’s life. Some bring opportunities, learning and positive identity. Others create barriers that limit health, education and personal growth. Each child’s mix of influences is unique.

Your role is to look at the whole picture, not just isolated issues. By knowing these factors and recognising their signs, you can offer the right support. This may mean working with schools, health professionals, community groups and the family. The aim is to help every child have the best chance to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face.