Then and Now - Problems in Society

The 1930’s saw much social distress and it was made worse as a result of World War II.
Sir William Beveridge in his report highlighted 5 main problems.

1.Idleness was seen as a big problem because unemployment had been high.

2.Many diseases were life threatening since healthcare was only good if you were wealthy.

3.Squalor - Housing was inadequate and poor conditions such as slum areas.

4.Poverty was rife, the elderly suffered as their state pension was barely sufficient (Want)

5.People had little education and the school leaving age was 14 (Ignorance)

 

1.What is the Welfare State?

A welfare state is a "concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the
protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of its citizens. It is based on
the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public
responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life.
The general term may cover a variety of forms of economic and social organization."

2.When was it created

1945

 

3.Explain the concept “from cradle to the grave”

It proposed that all working people should pay a weekly contribution to the state. In return, benefits would be paid to the unemployed, the sick, the retired and the widowed. Beveridge wanted to ensure that there was an acceptable minimum standard of living in Britain below which nobody fell.

 

4.When was the NHS created?

1944

 

Types of Welfare Provision:

State Provision

The Informal Sector

The Voluntary Sector

The Private Sector

 

 Work and Welfare

1.Do you think Welfare should always be provided by the State?

Yes, because I think everyone deserves the same quality of life, and people who are at a disadvantage due to sickness or unemployment should not fall under the line of poverty.

 

2.Which of the four ‘providers’ of Welfare do you think may provide the best provision?

 

3.Do you think the creation of the Welfare State has been a force for good?

In some ways yes, although I think the Welfare State can be unfair to some. If you're unemployed and make no effort to get a job, for no good reason, then I believe you're being unfair to the Welfare State and the benefits that it brings to people.

 

Transport

}In the UK (1945) commuting was unknown and people worked near their homes.

 

1.Why do you think it is different now?

To help with World problems such as pollution - many people carried by a bus will cause less pollution than each of those people driving their cars to wherever they wish to be. However as cars were introduced before hand, this has had a negative impact on the environment.

 

2.How have transport capabilities changed?

 

3.What effect has this had on the population?

We are now able to live where we like and still commute to almost anywhere in the world, at reasonable prices and in reasonable time.

 

4.Are we now ‘better off’?

As individuals, yes. But as a planet, with problems of pollution, not as much.