UK has worst quality of life in Europe – Economic growth and living standards revision

I am currently teaching economic growth to my year 11’s and have got used to saying an increase in GDP improves the standard of living in a country. At GCSE this statement is usually enough but this article could get your pupils extra marks for evaluating whether this is actually true.

A study has show Britain to have the worst quality of life in Europe despite having an average household income of £35,730 a year, over £10,000 higher than the European average. This is because British families have to contend with a high cost of living, with fuel, food and alcohol all costing more than the European average. Not only that but we are also working longer hours, having less holiday and dealing with worse weather. Click read more for some GCSE and A level style questions on economic growth and living standards.

GCSE

1. ‘The benefits to countries of economic growth are greater than the costs.’ Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. (8 marks)
2. Explain two reasons why GDP is not a good measure of living standards. (4 marks)

A level

1. A recent EU survey reported that income per head was significantly lower in Greece and Portugal than in the UK
Evaluate the view that living standards in the UK must therefore be higher than those in Greece and Portugal. (25 marks)