Week 12: social policy FINAL

These flashcards summarize key concepts from lecture notes on British politics, particularly focusing on social policy developments and reforms throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

What were the main characteristics of Britain's economy in the 19th Century?

Transition from an agricultural to an industrial economy, increasingly linked to international trade.

What significant changes occurred in British society during the 19th century?

The working class began to organize and seek new ideas to improve their status.

What actions did trade unions take in the late 19th century?

Direct action, strikes, boycotts, and collective bargaining to improve workers' rights.

How did the House of Lords respond to trade union organizing?

They fought against trade union organizing and political engagement, but their efforts were eventually overturned by the Commons.

What was the Labour Party's role in British politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

It emerged in response to the needs of the working class, competing with Conservative and Liberal parties for their votes.

What social programs did the Liberal party propose?

New social programs aimed at benefiting the working class.

What notion did Disraeli's Conservative Party promote?

One Nation conservatism, advocating for social reform funded by tariffs and protectionism.

What key social programs were introduced in Britain during the early 20th century?

Pensions (1908), minimum wages (1910), and health insurance (1911).

What was the government's stance towards welfare in the early 20th century?

Accepted it as a duty to promote the welfare of its citizens at common expense.

What was the impact of World War I on Britain's social policy?

Massive industrial and social transformations; led to increased government control and negotiation with trade unions.

What was Lloyd George's vision for post-war Britain?

To make Britain a fit country for heroes to live in.

What were the significant reforms during the post-World War I period?

Fresh layers of government administration, free elementary education (Fisher Act 1918), state-subsidized housing, and medical research.

What did the Representation of the People Act of 1918 achieve for women?

Allowed women aged 30 and over to vote.

What key educational reforms were implemented by the Butler Education Act of 1944?

Reorganized primary and secondary education into three streams: grammar, secondary modern, and technical.

How did the Labour Party perform in the 1945 election?

Achieved an unprecedented landslide victory with 394 seats.

Describe the social consensus formed during the Labour government from 1945 to 1951.

Established a mixed economy and a welfare state, which lasted until the 1970s.

What was the National Health Service (NHS) established in 1946?

A 'single provider' insurance system that was free at the time of treatment.

What socio-economic problem persisted post-World War II in Britain?

Massive national debt, shortages of raw materials and food, and a severe trade imbalance.

What was the significance of the 1951 Festival of Britain?

It showcased the best living, working, and educational standards for the working class since the 1930s.

Who were 'Mr. Butskell'?

A representation of the bipartisan consensus between Conservative R. A. Butler and Labour leader Hugh Gaitskell.

What are 'transfer payments' in the context of UK social policy?

Money received directly by individuals, such as pensions.

What services are included in social policy under UK governance?

Health care services provided by the NHS, among others.

What was the debate surrounding social policy spending?

Whether to spend more or less money and whether government intervention improves or worsens problems.

What defines 'social policy' in the UK?

Anything the government does that improves population well-being.

What historical context initiated the 'Poor Laws' in Britain?

Required parishes to collect and distribute aid to the 'deserving poor', while punishing the 'undeserving poor'.

What shift in population demographic occurred by 1900 in Britain?

Two-thirds of the population was living in urban areas.

What were some of the key mandates of the Beverly Report of 1942?

To create a social insurance program protecting citizens from issues like want and disease.

What economic challenge did the welfare state face from the 1980s onwards?

Attempts to reduce its size while managing increasing costs and societal needs.

What are the implications of the 'triple lock' in pension schemes?

It ensures that pensions increase according to the highest of inflation, average earnings, or a set minimum.

What is Universal Credit?

A system that folds many social programs into one, tapering benefits as local income rises.

What is the 'Benefit Cap' in UK social welfare?

A limit on the total amount of government social program funds a family can receive.

What role does the National Health Service play in British society?

Provides primary, acute, and chronic care under a largely free healthcare system.

What challenges does social care face in the UK?

Growing demand due to an aging population and declining financial support from the national government.

How did housing policy shift from the 1980s under Thatcher's government?

Increased ownership under the 'right to buy' program, resulting in a decrease in social housing.

What is the purpose of the different streams in the UK education system?

To provide various educational paths such as grammar and comprehensive schools for different academic needs.

How has higher education evolved in the UK?

Increased access and diversity over time, with more inclusive institutions emerging.

What demographic trends are projected for the future of the UK?

An aging population, declining birth rate, and challenges to the pension and healthcare systems.

How does the UK welfare state classify itself based on expenditure?

As a hybrid regime, combining social democratic aspects for health and education and liberal aspects for other programs.

What central goal did the Beveridge Report aim to achieve?

To protect citizens from five giant evils: want, disease, ignorance, squalor, and idleness.

How does the concept of means testing relate to the Beveridge Report?

Budget constraints led to means testing for many social programs, affecting equal benefits.

In what way have the UK social programs evolved since the 1980s?

Steady growth of the welfare state, though with attempts to reduce its size and increase efficiency.

What are the implications of housing benefit assessments?

They are contentious due to the ongoing housing cost crisis in the UK.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of the collective bargaining enforced by the government post-WWI?

Guaranteed workers' rights while imposing restrictions on strikes.

What were the Council Housing provisions post-WWII?

Creation of 1 million new dwellings to address housing shortages.

What is the significance of 'occupational welfare' in the definition of social policy?

It indicates that benefits may also come from employers, not just the government.

What are the challenges inherent in the 'Council Estates' model?

Long waiting lists and decreasing government-built housing due to privatization.

What was the impact of the Gallup polls on British politics following WWII?

Indicated a significant shift towards the left across various political sections, including Labour and Liberal.

How did the electorate's composition change during the early 20th century?

Gained a more working-class representation with the emergence of the Labour Party.

How did public sentiment shift regarding the welfare state by the 1950s?

People were more supportive of welfare policies than in prior decades.

What systemic changes were introduced under the National Insurance Act of 1911?

Provided unemployment insurance, sick pay, and healthcare.

What was the main social issue addressed by social reforms in the early 20th century?

Poverty and unemployment as revealed by reports from researchers.

How did wartime experiences affect women's roles in post-war Britain?

Opened up new clerical and administrative job opportunities.

What is the 'single-payer' system in the NHS?

It provides health care largely free at the point of service.

What led to the need for public works initiatives in urban areas during the 19th century?

Increasing pressure due to poverty and inadequate previous policies.

What were the implications of the Parliament Act of 1911?

It eliminated the House of Lords' veto power over funding bills, facilitating social reform.

What principle underlies the Beveridge Report's aim for social insurance?

To ensure universal protection 'from the cradle to the grave'.

What modern concern is associated with the UK's aging population?

Increased health care and pension stress on the welfare state.

How does the UK's welfare state relate to employment?

It employs a significant portion of the workforce, nearing six million people.