social security policy Flashcards
(6 cards)
what is the Beveridge Report and its significance?
the Beveridge Report laid the foundation for the modern UK welfare state
- five “Giant Evils”: want, disease, ignorance squalor and idleness
- Beveridge: liberal reformer who saw poverty as a societal failure that could be addressed through comprehensive state intervention
- introduction of the NHS, expansion of social housing, free education and state pensions
- marked a shift to collectivist welfare
- criticised by New Right thinkers for encouraging dependency
- still praised by social democrats as a foundational moments in reducing post-war poverty
what is the New Right approach to social policy?
the New Right argues that the welfare state creates dependency, reduces individual responsibility, and undermines traditional family structures
- Murray claimed the growth of a “dependency culture” and an “underclass”, due to overly generous welfare
- introduction of means-tested benefits
- tougher benefit sanctions
- expansion of private provision (outsourcing employment services)
- Dean and Taylor-Gooby argue the approach blames the poor while ignoring structural unemployment, low wages, and discrimination
what is the Social Democratic approach to social security?
social democrats believe in universal welfare, redistribution, and state responsibility for reducing poverty and inequality
- Marshall: citizenship includes social rights like education and healthcare
- Le Grand: supported targeted welfare to reach the most disadvantaged
- Post-war Labour government: NHS, family allowances, public housing
- New Labour: tax credits, Sure Smart, minimum wage
what is the role of neoliberalism in social security reform?
definition: neoliberalism promotes free markets, privatisation, and minimal state intervention in welfare
- Universal credit (streamlining benefits, introducing conditionality)
- outsourcing job centres and training to private firms
- Gough: neoliberalism leads to “residual” welfare where support is minimal and only available to the “deserving poor”
- “bedroom tax” introduced under Cameron’s government
- growth in gig economy with little protection for workers
what is meant by the “underclass” in social policy debates
a concept used to describe a group allegedly reliant on welfare, lacking work ethic, and engaging in deviant behaviour
- Murray claims the underclass was growing due to welfare generosity and lack of social norms
- Murray associated lone-parent households with crime and educational failure
- Lister argues “underclass” is a political term used to stigmatise the poor and justify welfare cuts
what is the impact of austerity on social security?
austerity refers to government policies aimed at reducing public spending, especially after the 2008 financial crisis
- cuts to housing benefit, disability allowance, council budgets
- cap on benefits and stricter eligibility
- UN Rapporteur accused UK of “systematic immiseration” due to austerity
- sharp rise in foodbank usage, homelessness, and mental health issues
- supporters claim austerity was necessary to control national debt
