1. Dimensions of social policy

What are the three routes the government act through to promote social welfare?

• Provision

• Regulation

• Taxation

What is the definition of provision?

Those who provide welfare goods and services

What is the definition of regulation?

How the state sets the rules

What is taxation?

how welfare is funded

What is an example of provision?

Free breakfast clubs

What is an example of regulation?

National living wage

What is the current national living wage for those 21 and over?

£12.71

What was the previous rate for the national living wage for those over 21?

• 2025: £12.21

• 2026: £11.44

What is an example of taxation?

Inheritance tax

What are the changes to inheritance tax that caused backlash?

April 2026: taxes now apply to agricultural assets over £1 million.

Who discussed the three dimensions of welfare?

Powell (2007)

What was Titmuss’ definition of universialism?

To avoid humiliation, loss of dignity, shame, stigma. Focuses on prevention

What was Titmuss’ definition of selection/targeting?

Based on need, more efficient use and implementation of resources

What are the benefits of universalism according to MacGregor (2014)?

• Lower administrative costs

• Allows for redistribution

• Resilient in crises

What are the benefits of selection/targeting according to MacGregor (2014)?

• Individual and cultural preferences respected

• Most in need can be identified

What two approaches in the UK are examples of Universalism?

• Public services, e.g. education and healthcare

• Universal Basic Income

What two approaches in the UK are examples of selection/targeting?

• Universal Credit

• Cash Transfer programmes

According to Spicker (2000), what is the relation between rights and welfare?

• Freedom is a precondition for well-being

• Political protection is required to guarantee welfare

• Economic and social rights are preconditions for well-being

• Rights exist

According to T.H. Marshall (1950), what are the three parts of citizenship?

• Civil, i.e. freedom

• Political, i.e. right to participate in political power

• Social, i.e. right to live according to social standards

According to T.H. Marshall, the degree of equalisation depends on what four things?

• Universal provision or targeted to certain groups

• Money payment or service

• Minimum: low or high

• How the benefit is raised

What did T.H. Marshall say about status and income?

“Equality of status is more important than equality of income”