Unit 3: Social Inequality

3.2.2 The development and impact of welfare states on life chances:

• Free and/or universal education
• Unemployment benefits
• Pensions
• Low-cost housing
• Free healthcare
• Universal basic income
1. Free and/or Universal Education:
Started so everyone can go to school.
Schools used to be selective; now they're for everyone.
Development:
Emerged as a response to the need for an educated workforce during industrialization.
Evolved from selective education to comprehensive and inclusive systems.
Impact:
Provides equal educational opportunities regardless of socio-economic background.
Reduces educational inequalities and enhances social mobility.
Example:
Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Finland have strong free and universal
education systems.
2. Unemployment Benefits:
Made for when people can't find a job.
Helps people who lose their jobs and need money.
Development:
Originated in the early 20th century as a response to economic depressions.
Evolved to provide financial support during job loss.
Impact:
Offers economic security during periods of unemployment.
Reduces poverty and social unrest.
Example:
In the UK, the Jobseeker's Allowance is a form of unemployment benefit.
3. Pensions:
Made for when people get old and can't work.
Started because more people were living longer.
Development:
Evolved as a means to provide income security for the elderly.
Developed in response to changing demographics.
Impact:
Ensures a basic standard of living for retirees.
Mitigates poverty among the elderly.
Example:
Social Security in the United States is a pension program.
4. Low-Cost Housing:
Created because some people couldn't afford a home.
Started after wars to help people have a place to live.
Development:
Originated in response to housing shortages and poor living conditions.
Grew during post-war reconstruction efforts.
Impact:
Provides affordable and decent living conditions.
Reduces homelessness and housing inequality.
Example:
Social housing programs in Singapore have effectively provided low-cost housing.
5. Free Healthcare:
Started so everyone can see a doctor when they're sick.
Evolved from making sure everyone stays healthy.
Development:
Evolved from early public health measures to comprehensive healthcare systems.
Often tied to notions of public well-being and prevention.
Impact:
Ensures access to medical services irrespective of financial means.
Improves overall population health.
Example:
The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides free healthcare services.
6. Universal Basic Income (UBI):
Being talked about because some jobs are going away.
Some places are trying it out to see if it works.
Development:
Gaining attention as a response to technological unemployment and income inequality.
Piloted in various regions as a potential solution.
Impact:
Provides a guaranteed income, promoting financial stability.
Potentially reduces poverty and inequality.
Example:
Finland conducted a UBI experiment where a random sample of citizens received
unconditional monthly payments.
Suggested Questions:
1. Give two examples of how a universal basic income promotes financial stability.
2. Explain three ways in which a universal basic income could address income
inequality.
3. Evaluate the impact of free healthcare on overall population health.
4. Explain three ways in which low-cost housing programs contribute to community
well-being.
5. Explain three ways in which pensions contribute to the well-being of the aging
population.
6. Give two examples illustrating how pensions ensure a basic standard of living for
retirees.
7. Explain three ways in which unemployment benefits contribute to social stability.
8. Give two examples of how free and universal education contributes to reducing
educational inequalities.
9. Explain three ways in which equal educational opportunities benefit society as a
whole.