Types of Welfare States: Models and Comparisons

Question 1

Identify the key characteristic of the Bismarckian welfare state model:

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on social insurance

Answer

Universal coverage

Answer

Means-tested benefits

Answer

Limited state intervention

Question 2

What is a defining feature of the Beveridge model of welfare?

Accepted Answer

Universal social insurance system

Answer

Means-tested benefits

Answer

Employer-based provision

Answer

Occupational welfare

Question 3

The Bismarckian model of welfare is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Employer-led social insurance

Answer

Universal benefits

Answer

Market-based provision

Answer

Means-tested assistance

Question 4

One of the criticisms of the residual model of welfare is that it:

Accepted Answer

Can perpetuate poverty

Answer

Is too expensive

Answer

Promotes social mobility

Answer

Is not stigmatizing

Question 5

The concept of 'social investment' in welfare provision emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Investing in human capital and skills to enhance future economic outcomes

Answer

Reducing the role of government in welfare

Answer

Providing cash benefits to those who are unable to work

Question 6

Which of the following countries is commonly regarded as having a 'social democratic' welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Sweden

Answer

Singapore

Answer

China

Answer

United States

Question 7

The concept of 'decommodification' in welfare policy refers to:

Accepted Answer

Reducing reliance on the market for essential goods and services

Answer

Directing benefits solely to those in extreme poverty

Answer

Promoting the use of private welfare providers

Question 8

The concept of 'welfare pluralism' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Multiple sources of welfare provision, including the state, market, and civil society organizations

Answer

Prioritizing welfare spending on healthcare and education

Answer

Providing welfare benefits to all citizens regardless of income

Question 9

A key criticism of the 'workfare' approach to welfare is that it:

Accepted Answer

Can lead to poverty traps and hinder long-term employment

Answer

Is too costly to implement

Answer

Is unfair to those with disabilities

Question 10

The term 'welfare chauvinism' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Policies that restrict access to welfare benefits for non-citizens

Answer

Policies that promote gender equality in welfare provision

Answer

Policies that focus on providing welfare to the elderly

Question 11

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of the Beveridge model of welfare provision?

Accepted Answer

Universal entitlement to social benefits, regardless of employment status or need

Answer

Emphasis on private insurance and savings

Answer

Close ties between benefits and employment status

Answer

Extensive means-testing of benefits

Question 12

In which country did the Bismarckian model of welfare provision originate?

Accepted Answer

Germany

Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

Sweden

Answer

United States

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the residual model of welfare provision?

Accepted Answer

Extensive use of social insurance programs

Answer

Emphasis on state provision of benefits to those in need

Answer

Means-testing of benefits

Question 14

Which welfare state model places the greatest emphasis on the role of the family in providing for its members?

Accepted Answer

Residual model

Answer

Beveridge model

Answer

Social democratic model

Answer

Bismarckian model

Question 15

Which of the following countries is often cited as an example of a strong social democratic welfare state model?

Accepted Answer

Sweden

Answer

United States

Answer

United Kingdom

Answer

Germany

Question 16

What is a key difference between the Beveridge and Bismarckian models of welfare?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for benefits, with the Beveridge model offering universal benefits and the Bismarckian model linking benefits to employment history

Answer

Funding mechanisms

Answer

Level of benefits

Answer

Emphasis on social insurance

Question 17

What role do Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) typically play in welfare state provision?

Accepted Answer

Supplementing or challenging state provision by providing services, advocacy, or support

Answer

Administering state welfare programs

Answer

Providing financial support to the state

Question 18

The United Kingdom's welfare state model, known for its universal social benefits, is primarily associated with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Beveridge model

Answer

Bismarckian model

Answer

Social democratic model

Answer

Residual model

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the core characteristic of the Bismarckian welfare state model?

Accepted Answer

Social insurance programs funded through contributions from employers and employees

Answer

A focus on individual responsibility with limited government intervention in social welfare

Answer

Universal social benefits for all citizens, regardless of income or employment

Question 20

A welfare state operating on a residual model primarily provides benefits to:

Accepted Answer

Individuals who are unable to support themselves through the market

Answer

All citizens, regardless of their income or employment

Answer

People experiencing temporary hardship, regardless of their employment status

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a typical feature of a social democratic welfare state model?

Accepted Answer

A strong emphasis on individual responsibility and market-driven solutions for social problems

Answer

Extensive social safety nets and high levels of social expenditure

Answer

A strong commitment to achieving social equality and redistribution of resources

Question 22

In welfare state analysis, 'decommodification' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The extent to which social benefits free individuals from relying on the market for their basic needs

Answer

The process of transferring public services to private ownership

Question 23

The establishment of universal healthcare in the UK through the National Health Service (NHS) was primarily driven by:

Accepted Answer

The principles and recommendations outlined in the Beveridge Report

Answer

The growing demand for private healthcare among the population

Answer

The influence of the Bismarckian model and social insurance principles

Question 24

A country with a high level of 'social stratification' is likely to have:

Accepted Answer

A significant gap between the wealthy and the poor

Answer

A universal healthcare system funded entirely through taxation

Answer

A very limited welfare state with minimal social benefits

Answer

A strong emphasis on individual responsibility and market-driven solutions to social problems

Question 25

The introduction of means-tested benefits in a welfare state can potentially lead to:

Accepted Answer

Increased poverty among certain groups and potential stigma associated with receiving benefits

Answer

Improved economic equality and reduced levels of poverty

Answer

A more efficient and cost-effective system of welfare provision

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a major factor influencing the development and evolution of welfare states?

Accepted Answer

Advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence

Answer

Political ideologies and the role of the state in society

Answer

Economic growth and the level of social inequality

Question 27

When comparing the Beveridge and Bismarckian models, which model is generally considered to have a stronger emphasis on social solidarity and collective responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Beveridge model

Answer

Both models equally emphasize social solidarity

Answer

Bismarckian model

Answer

Neither model emphasizes solidarity, as they focus on individual responsibility

Question 28

Which welfare state model emphasizes universal social benefits available to all citizens, regardless of employment status or contributions?

Accepted Answer

Beveridge model

Answer

Residual model

Answer

Social-democratic model

Answer

Bismarckian model

Question 29

According to which welfare state model are social welfare benefits primarily tied to employment contributions and work history?

Accepted Answer

Bismarckian model

Answer

Residual model

Answer

Beveridge model

Answer

Conservative model

Question 30

Which welfare state model provides limited social assistance to those in extreme need, often subject to means testing and eligibility criteria?

Accepted Answer

Residual model

Answer

Bismarckian model

Answer

Beveridge model

Answer

Conservative model

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a key principle of the Beveridge model?

Accepted Answer

Selectivity

Answer

Universalism

Answer

Flat-rate benefits

Answer

Comprehensiveness

Question 32

Which welfare state model emerged in response to concerns about the impact of industrialization on the working class, providing social protection against risks associated with employment?

Accepted Answer

Bismarckian model

Answer

Beveridge model

Answer

Residual model

Answer

Conservative model

Question 33

Which welfare state model is characterized by a significant role for the private sector in providing social welfare services, often through tax incentives or subsidies?

Accepted Answer

Conservative model

Answer

Residual model

Answer

Beveridge model

Answer

Social-democratic model

Question 34

Which welfare state model combines elements of both the Beveridge and Bismarckian models, providing universal benefits while also considering employment status and contributions?

Accepted Answer

Social-democratic model

Answer

Conservative model

Answer

Residual model

Answer

Liberal model

Question 35

Which of the following is a potential advantage of the Beveridge welfare state model?

Accepted Answer

Provides a comprehensive safety net for all citizens, irrespective of employment status or contributions

Answer

Encourages social mobility

Answer

Reduces government spending

Answer

Promotes individual responsibility

Question 36

Which welfare state model has been criticized for potentially creating a cycle of dependency and disincentivizing work?

Accepted Answer

Residual model

Answer

Social-democratic model

Answer

Bismarckian model

Answer

Beveridge model