Class and the Welfare State: Impact on Inequality and Access to Services

Question 1

According to the 'welfare state as class compromise' theory, what is the main function of the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

To maintain societal harmony and stability

Answer

To eradicate poverty and inequality

Answer

To stimulate economic growth

Answer

To promote individual freedom

Question 2

Which of the following is an illustration of a universal welfare state benefit accessible to all citizens?

Accepted Answer

Child tax credits

Answer

Unemployment benefits

Answer

Social care

Answer

Housing benefits

Question 3

In what way does social class influence an individual's access to healthcare in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Higher-class individuals have lower mortality rates

Answer

Lower-class individuals have better access to general practitioner (GP) services

Answer

Social class has no significant impact on access to healthcare

Answer

Social class only affects access to private healthcare

Question 4

How does the idea of 'social closure' relate to class inequality and the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

It refers to the barriers that hinder individuals from moving between social classes

Answer

It describes the process by which welfare benefits are specifically targeted towards certain social groups

Answer

It explains why individuals from higher social classes are more likely to utilize welfare services

Answer

It suggests that welfare benefits create a culture of dependency

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a feature of a universal welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Means-tested benefits

Answer

Universal eligibility

Answer

Flat-rate benefits

Answer

Emphasis on social insurance

Question 6

Which of the following is a central concept in understanding the relationship between class and the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Social stratification

Answer

Material deprivation

Answer

Social mobility

Answer

Political ideology

Question 7

How does the welfare state mitigate class inequality in terms of access to healthcare in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

By providing universal healthcare coverage regardless of income level.

Answer

By providing subsidized healthcare for low-income families.

Answer

By providing tax breaks for individuals who purchase private health insurance.

Answer

The welfare state does not mediate class inequality in terms of healthcare access.

Question 8

How does the concept of 'deservingness' shape access to welfare benefits in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Benefits are only available to those deemed worthy based on their perceived contributions to society.

Answer

Benefits are available to all citizens regardless of their perceived deservingness.

Answer

Deservingness is not a factor in determining eligibility for welfare benefits.

Answer

Deservingness is considered only in cases of fraud or abuse.

Question 9

Which of the following is a characteristic of the 'neoliberal' approach to the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on individual responsibility and market solutions.

Answer

Expansion of social welfare programs and benefits.

Answer

Increased regulation of the private sector.

Answer

Strengthening of trade unions and collective bargaining.

Question 10

How does intersectionality help us understand the complex relationship between class and the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

It shows how different forms of inequality, such as race and gender, intersect with class to shape people's experiences of the welfare state.

Answer

It suggests that class is the most important factor in determining access to welfare benefits.

Answer

Intersectionality is not relevant to understanding the welfare state.

Answer

Intersectionality only applies to minority groups.

Question 11

Which theory suggests that social inequality is essential for society because it motivates people to work hard and contribute to the overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Answer

Symbolic interactionism

Answer

Feminist theory

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on individual responsibility

Answer

Universal access to healthcare

Answer

Progressive taxation to redistribute income

Answer

Provision of social insurance schemes like unemployment benefits

Question 13

How does class inequality manifest in healthcare access in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Wealthier individuals have better access to private healthcare, while lower-income individuals face barriers to essential care

Answer

There are no significant differences in healthcare access based on class

Answer

The NHS provides equal access to healthcare for all, regardless of income

Answer

Healthcare access is determined solely by geographical location

Question 14

How has the welfare state evolved in recent decades in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Increased privatization of services and stricter eligibility criteria

Answer

Expansion of universal benefits and reduced means-testing

Answer

No significant changes to the welfare state

Answer

Complete dismantling of the welfare state

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a defining principle of the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Profitability

Answer

Universalism

Answer

Selectivity

Answer

Equality

Question 16

The concept of 'residual' welfare provision suggests that:

Accepted Answer

The state should only intervene as a last resort

Answer

Welfare should be provided to all citizens equally

Answer

Welfare should be provided to those who have contributed to society through work or taxes

Answer

The private sector should play a dominant role in welfare provision

Question 17

The concept of 'intergenerational poverty' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Poverty that is passed down from one generation to the next

Answer

Poverty that affects multiple generations of a family

Answer

Poverty that is caused by individual choices and behaviors

Answer

Poverty that is exclusive to certain racial or gender groups

Question 18

The concept of 'relative poverty' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Poverty defined in relation to the average income of a society

Answer

Poverty defined by an absolute standard

Answer

Poverty that is caused by external factors

Answer

Poverty that is solely caused by individual choices

Question 19

Which of the following was NOT a core principle outlined in the Beveridge Report (1942) that shaped the development of the UK welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Universal basic income for all citizens.

Answer

Social insurance based on contributions.

Answer

Provision of free healthcare and education.

Answer

A comprehensive social security system covering unemployment, sickness, and old age.

Question 20

The concept of 'social citizenship' emphasizes the role of the welfare state in:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their social background.

Answer

Encouraging social mobility through meritocratic systems.

Answer

Promoting individual self-reliance and minimizing state intervention.

Question 21

Which of the following is an example of the welfare state acting as a redistributive mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Progressive taxation, where higher earners pay a larger proportion of their income in taxes.

Answer

Providing universal healthcare services to all citizens.

Answer

Offering job training programs for unemployed individuals.

Question 22

The 'decommodification' effect of the welfare state refers to:

Accepted Answer

Reducing individuals' reliance on the market for their basic needs.

Answer

Encouraging individuals to be more self-sufficient and reliant on their own resources.

Answer

Promoting individual choice and freedom in accessing welfare benefits.

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a significant challenge facing the contemporary UK welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Rising levels of social mobility and reduced inequality.

Answer

Increasing costs of social security programs due to an aging population.

Answer

Growing pressure on public services due to austerity measures.

Question 24

The main goal of 'welfare-to-work' policies is to:

Accepted Answer

Encourage welfare recipients to transition from benefits to employment.

Answer

Strengthen social security benefits and reduce the need for work.

Answer

Provide unconditional basic income to all citizens regardless of employment status.

Question 25

How has the UK welfare state contributed to the persistence of class inequality?

Accepted Answer

Through unequal access to services and benefits based on social class.

Answer

By promoting social mobility and equal opportunities for all.

Answer

By reducing the role of the market and creating a more egalitarian society.

Question 26

The 'stigma' associated with welfare benefits can be described as:

Accepted Answer

Negative social perceptions and judgments about individuals receiving state assistance.

Answer

The financial burden of welfare programs on taxpayers.

Answer

The bureaucratic complexity of accessing welfare benefits.

Question 27

Which of the following is a potential future direction for the UK welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Increased emphasis on personalized support and active labor market interventions.

Answer

A return to the traditional Beveridgean model of universal social security.

Answer

The complete abolition of the welfare state and reliance on the market.