'What's a necessity in modern living?' poll discussion

Former_MSE_Lawrence

Poll Started 31 August 2010:

What's a necessity in modern living?

Traditionally it was just food, shelter & clothing, yet official definitions of child poverty in the UK are now part-based on how close to ‘average income’ a family have, showing things have changed.

Which of these household items are necessity for a family with school-aged children in the UK? (Choose as many as you like)

A. Basic TV
B. Boiler (Hot water)
C. Central Heating
D. Cooker
E. Computer with web access
F. Dishwasher
G. Fridge & Freezer
H. Games Console
I. Home phone
J. Microwave
K. Mobile phones
L. Satellite/Cable TV
M. Washing Machine

Please Vote Here, or click 'post reply' to discuss below. Thanks

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Bobl

How sad that someone believes a games console and satelite TV are necessities, or a dishwasher for that matter!

Saucepot

Why isn't there a "gentlemans gentleman" on the list? A necessity if ever there was one. How one can be a gentleman without a gentlemans gentleman is beyond me.

jd87

Saucepot wrote: »

Why isn't there a "gentlemans gentleman" on the list? A necessity if ever there was one. How one can be a gentleman without a gentlemans gentleman is beyond me.

Eh? filler filler

michaels

At the time of writing 1675 people have voted and only 87% think hot water is essential - and less for a cooker and washing machine...!!!!!!?

michaels

I note Martin didn't add a car as an option. Wha would be really interesting if only the software supported it would be for people to say in what order they would give things up as circumstances tightened - for example would the washing machine or fridge have to go first?

Oldernotwiser

michaels wrote: »

At the time of writing 1675 people have voted and only 87% think hot water is essential - and less for a cooker and washing machine...!!!!!!?

i didn't tick boiler because there are other ways (like immersion heaters) for heating water. I didn't think it meant hot water generally!

ailuro2

Some people have ticked PC with internet access - but libraries let kids use PCs for free.

I didn't tick home phone, but I do think a basic phone of one kind or another should be available - there are no public call boxes left that work these days.

Hot water from some source is necessary to stay clean, even if it's an immersion heater not connected to central heating.

A fridge freezer is a must, as not many people have a cold store any more, or a corner shop that sells food at reasonable prices to be able to purchase it daily.

lillykins27

surley a cooker is the most essential. hot water you can get from boiling the kettle, a frezzer is no good if you cant cook the stuff, unless you living on ice cream, youve got laundarettes for washing or goood old fashioned hand washing. i guess at a push when it came to central heating in the winter, but im sure i would much rather a hot meal and stick a few more jumpers on. the others like mobiles,computers,dishwashers,tvs and games consoles are considered as luxuries. Its no wonder we have so many kids living like this if there parents believe a tv and games console is more of a priority than keeping them clean, warm and fed.!!

rag31

Hot water, central heating, cooker, fridge freezer and washing machine. Everything else is 'nice to have' but not really necessary.

However if you don't have these items then the cost of providing the 'necessity' (e.g. hot water, heating, cooked food, fresh food and clean clothes) goes through the roof and leave the family worse off financially.

MSE_Martin

I must admit I'm surprised by "washing machine" appearing so highly - after all many people use launderettes