History of Social Policy in the UK: Learn Key Milestones and Influences

Question 1

What is a potential criticism of the welfare state in the UK?

Accepted Answer

It increases inequality

Answer

It reduces poverty

Answer

It improves public health

Question 2

How did Thatcherism shape social policy in the UK? Discuss its key features and the lasting impact of its implementation on social welfare provision.

Accepted Answer

Thatcherism prioritized individual responsibility and reduced government involvement in social welfare.

Answer

Thatcherism sought to expand state intervention and the welfare state.

Answer

Thatcherism had no significant effect on UK social policies.

Answer

Thatcherism led to a decrease in income inequality in the UK.

Question 3

The model of social welfare provision known as 'residualism' is based on the principle that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals and families are primarily responsible for their own well-being

Answer

The state has a primary responsibility for meeting social needs

Answer

The market should play a dominant role in providing social welfare

Answer

Social welfare should be provided as a right to all citizens

Question 4

When was the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK established?

Accepted Answer

1948

Answer

1945

Answer

1952

Answer

1964

Question 5

What was the main objective of the Beveridge Report?

Accepted Answer

To establish a comprehensive system of social security

Answer

To introduce universal healthcare

Answer

To stimulate economic growth

Answer

To strengthen the military

Question 6

Which political party is traditionally associated with the development of the welfare state in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Labour Party

Answer

Conservative Party

Answer

Liberal Party

Answer

Green Party

Question 7

What was a major criticism of the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834?

Accepted Answer

It was excessively harsh and punitive

Answer

It provided inadequate support to the poor

Answer

It was prohibitively expensive to administer

Answer

It discriminated on the basis of race

Question 8

Which principle is central to the UK's National Insurance system?

Accepted Answer

Contributory benefits

Answer

Universal coverage

Answer

Means-tested benefits

Answer

Residual welfare

Question 9

What was the primary goal of the Welfare Reform Act 2012?

Accepted Answer

To reduce welfare dependency

Answer

To streamline the welfare system

Answer

To increase the amount of benefits paid out

Answer

To abolish the welfare state

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a universal benefit in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Child Benefit

Answer

Jobseeker's Allowance

Answer

Housing Benefit

Answer

Disability Living Allowance

Question 11

What is the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) primarily responsible for?

Accepted Answer

Administering social security benefits

Answer

Providing employment support

Answer

Regulating the labour market

Answer

Setting interest rates

Question 12

What was a central principle of the Beveridge Report?

Accepted Answer

Establish a universal social security system

Answer

Cut government spending on social welfare

Answer

Privatize the welfare system

Answer

Expand the role of religious organizations in social welfare

Question 13

Which of the following social policy laws introduced the 'workhouse' system, where individuals seeking poor relief were required to live in austere institutions in return for basic assistance?

Accepted Answer

Poor Law Amendment Act (1834)

Answer

National Insurance Act (1911)

Answer

Welfare State (1945)

Answer

Beveridge Report (1942)

Question 14

What was the primary objective of the Poor Law Amendment Act (1834)?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the financial burden of poor relief on ratepayers

Answer

To promote self-sufficiency among the poor

Answer

To improve the living conditions of the poor

Answer

To provide medical care to the poor

Question 15

Which social reformer's work and advocacy were instrumental in the establishment of the National Insurance Act (1911)?

Accepted Answer

David Lloyd George

Answer

Beatrice Webb

Answer

Rowntree

Answer

Beveridge

Question 16

What was the main recommendation of the Beveridge Report (1942)?

Accepted Answer

The establishment of a comprehensive social security system to provide a minimum standard of living for all citizens

Answer

To introduce a universal healthcare system

Answer

To reduce unemployment

Question 17

Which post-war legislation established the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK?

Accepted Answer

National Health Service Act (1946)

Answer

Children Act (1948)

Answer

Education Act (1944)

Answer

National Insurance Act (1911)

Question 18

How did Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government's policies impact social welfare provision in the UK?

Accepted Answer

A shift towards a more market-oriented approach, with reduced state intervention and increased reliance on the private sector

Answer

A significant expansion of the welfare state

Answer

Increased regulation of the voluntary sector

Answer

A focus on social equality

Question 19

Which of the following is currently a central goal of social policy in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Promoting social inclusion and reducing inequalities

Answer

Reducing government spending on welfare

Answer

Encouraging private sector provision of social care

Answer

Limiting immigration

Question 20

Which of the following presents a significant challenge to social policy in the UK today?

Accepted Answer

An ageing population, increasing social inequality, and climate change

Answer

Lack of political consensus and public distrust

Answer

Low unemployment, high economic growth, and reduced crime

Question 21

Which of the following is a widely recognized strength of the UK's social policy system?

Accepted Answer

Universal access to healthcare through the National Health Service

Answer

Low poverty rates

Answer

A strong voluntary sector

Answer

Efficient administration

Question 22

Which of the following is a persistent challenge for the UK's social policy system?

Accepted Answer

High levels of child poverty

Answer

Excessive regulation

Answer

Inefficient use of resources

Answer

Lack of public support