There are key differences in the characteristics of the Isle of Purbeck in South East Dorset and Byker Ward in Newcastle upon Tyne; such as the housing type, ethnicity, age structure, wealth, employment and services – unsurprisingly many are interlinked. These also have had key effects on social welfare; which lead to further contrasts between the two areas. Social welfare measures the well-being of communities – shown through jobs, housing, health care and education.
The most significant contrast is the housing type. Byker Grove is an inner city electoral ward in Newcastle upon Tyne - consisting of council housing for many decades, whilst the Isle of Purbeck is largely private/owner occupied. In the 1960s, Byker had exclusively small
As there is a high level of dependency in the area there is likely to be a large reliance on health related services – which particularly the elderly require. This can be shown through the provision of 6 new village doctor surgeries since 1991. In Byker the younger age structure has resulted in different services being provided. The “East End Pool” was turned into an educational facility and an indoor bouldering and climbing centre. In each case services have adapted to the age structure of the population.
There is a significant difference in wealth between the two areas. As stated, this can be shown through the prices of housing. That the wealthiest live here has led to a lack of diversity in the area; with prominently upper/middle-class couples living in Purbeck. Further, this results in demand for luxury water sports and sailing schools – this is where the ‘Royal Yachting Association’ is based. In contrast, many in the area of Byker are poor – being unemployed. This has undoubtedly had significant effects on the education of children with a staggering 47.59% being have no qualifications. Obviously, education is provided as a public good for all; yet poverty often prevents people from having aspirations. Another link may be to health with 29.55% having a long term illness; this could have resulted from low paid, manual jobs in mines – yet most likely from obesity; as already shown to be often a symptom of low wealth in high income countries.
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