What you need to learn

11.1 Origins of social and welfare issues 11.2 Demographic change and social and welfare issues 11.3 Social issues in context 11.4 Government responses to social issues and welfare needs

Origins of Social & Welfare Issues

Beveridge Report (1942) 5 Evils Want (Poverty) Disease (Ill health & high mortality) Ignorance (Inadequate education) Squalor (Poor housing & Homelessness) Idleness (Unemployment) As a consequence, The Welfare State was created that provided free healthcare (NHS) and gave the government responsibility for basic standards of care and support for all UK citizens.

Halifax 1828

Poor Law= Laissez Faire= Industrialisation= Welfare Reforms= Education Act 1906= Pensions Act 1907= National Insurance Act 1911= 2 World Wars= Beveridge Report= The Welfare State= Government responsible= NHS = Education to 16 = Employment= Change in attitudes= Unemployment= System abuse = Economic Downturn= Poor

YOUR TASK
PART AFind out as much as you possibly can of your social issue or welfare need for the past 100 years. USE THE BREAKDOWN SHEET AND ASSIGNMENT BRIEF TO HELP YOU

AO2
11.2 Demographic change and social and welfare issues A major factor affecting social issues and welfare needs is the impact of demographic changes. You will need to develop an understanding of how factors such as: birth rate and death rate migration and emigration changes in life expectancy have influenced the nature of social and welfare issues in society, for example the development of a multi-cultural society, and an ageing population. You should also develop knowledge of how statistical data can be used to aid understanding of social issues and welfare needs in the planning of services, the targeting of services, redeployment of resources, assessing the effectiveness of service provision, and in developing future policy objectives.

Demographic Changes
The nations statistics are collated and recorded very closely by the government and many social and welfare issues create spikes in the figures which can lead to problems for the rest of society. The government has a responsibility to control the demographics in order to maintain fair access to all Health, Social and Early Years services.

DEMOGRAPHYTHE STUDY OF THE SIZE & STRUCTURE OF THE POPULATION

The key demographic rates are; Birth & Date Rate Migration & Emigration Changes in life expectancy

METHODS OF COLLECTING DATA/STATISTICS Census The Office of National Statistics Voluntary Organisations

Answers to the Check your understanding questions on page 211.

1 The most likely reasons for the fall in the birth rate during the twentieth century are (i) improved methods of contraception (ii) the greater availability of contraceptives (iii) women choosing work and a career over large families (iv) the high cost of child rearing (v) the increased value placed on a high standard of living. You may have considered that the development of a welfare state may mean that people do not need to have large families in order to be cared for in old age. It is expected that there will be state-supported services to meet these needs. 2 The most likely reasons for the fall in the death rate during the twentieth century are: The improved public health systems, e.g. clean water, improved sewerage, immunisation schemes. Much improved medical knowledge. The introduction of a national health service. Improved health and safety practices in industry. Improved standards of living, leading to better and warmer housing, better diets. Better maternity and post-natal care, leading to a fall in both infant mortality and the death of mothers during pregnancy and childbirth.

3 Infant mortality rates may reflect the levels of social and economic progress because the factors linked with high infant mortality (e.g. unclean water and poor sewerage, poor maternity care, inadequate child immunisation programmes, insufficient access to health services, poor housing and poor diets) are themselves associated with poverty and a depressed economy. Good public health provision and effective health care is essential for a growing modern economy. 4 Net migration refers to the difference between the numbers emigrating (leaving a country to live elsewhere) and those immigrating (entering the country with a view to living there). 5 Reasons why people may choose to emigrate include: The need to find work Escaping poverty The chance to improve their standard of living Escaping political or religious persecution many refugees are fleeing to avoid such persecution Personal reasons for making a new start.

AO3
11.3 Social issues in context In this section you will critically examine social issues and welfare needs which are of concern in the contemporary UK. These include issues concerning: income and wealth distribution unemployment poverty ageing society disability and dysfunction mental illness and suicide. You need to demonstrate an understanding that many of these issues are interrelated, for example poverty and unemployment. Your knowledge of these issues should focus on their nature and extent, government response to the issue, and the effects on the individual, groups, and society at large.

THE CONTEMPORARY CONTEXT

SOCIAL ISSUES INTERRELATED WITH OTHER ISSUES WHICH CAUSES THE PROBLEM TO INCREASE. THE FACTORS THAT NEED TO BE EXAMINED ARE THE FOLLOWING income and wealth distribution unemployment poverty ageing society disability and dysfunction mental illness and suicide. TASK- RESEARCH USING DIFFERENT SOURCES FOR STATISTICS THAT INCLUDE HOW THE ABOVE FACTORS HAVE AFFECTED YOUR SOCIAL ISSUE. E.G. CHILDHOOD OBESITY- LARGER NUMBERS OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY FROM AREAS THAT SUFFER DEPRIVATION AND POVERTY.

SECTION C ALSO LOOKS AT THE WORK RELATED ISSUES.

RESEARCH STATISTICS AND ANALSYE THE IMPACT THAT IT HAS HAD ON YOUR SOCIAL ISSUE/WELFARE NEED. ARE THE NUMBERS INCREASING OR DECREASING? WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING?

The range of Social Issues

Homelessness Suicide Disability The Care System Unemployment Poverty Ageing Population Income & Wealth Disability Mental Illness Immigration Crime Benefits Education Health Care

COURSEWORK
Healthcare Why are mental health issues on the increase? Older People How will the ageing population be funded/cared for? Early Years What are the causes for childhood obesity causing? Individuals with specific needs. Stress- impacting on the workforce. You will be given four options of social issues or welfare needs for you to research. Pick the one that has most interest to you. Remember that we will be looking at the History, Demographics, Work-related issues & Government Responses. For this first part you will you need to research your issue and gather as much information that you can. To get into MB3 you need to use 4 sources of different types.

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11.4 Government responses to social issues and welfare needs You will need to know about government responses to social issues and welfare needs. The responses made by government will depend on a number of factors, such as the political party in power at that particular time, their political ideology, the influences and pressure being placed on them. The responses should include: legislation initiatives of different types. You need to understand how responses have come about, and how influences may have affected them. External influences could include organisations such as the EU, pressure groups, the mass media, the economy, and many others. You will need to be able to evaluate the success of such governmental responses.

The governments response

Create legislation Prioritise in the budget Reduce spending Change existing legislation Consult with voluntary organisations Review existing practice & service

Government has to respond because of; Media Pressure & Coverage Accountability The Economy The EU Pressure Groups/Charities The Economy Wide spread unrest/rioting/vigilant action Maintain peace and order within society

TYPES OF GOVERNEMENT RESPONSE

LEGISLATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS ACT UNCRC CHILDREN ACT 2004 EDUCATION ACT MENTAL HEALTH ACT CARERS/EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES ACT NHS AND COMMUNITY CARE ACT CARE STANDARDS RACE RELATIONS DATA PROTECTION DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION

INITIATIVES

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK CHANGE FOR LIFE EVERY CHILD MATTERS NATIONAL STRESS OUT DAY AGE UK HELP THE AGED

TASK- Use this worksheet to research these acts, find out the information, key points with the strengths and weaknesses.

PART D- Government responses in terms of policy to the social

issue or welfare need being investigated. (17 marks) What you need to know What it is? How did it come about? How it works? What external influences it includes? E.g. EU, pressure groups, the mass media, the economy, and many others Evaluate the success of it. REMEMBER YOU NEED EVIDENCE IN DATA FORM. Has is improved the issue and what more do they need to do? I would aim for at least 2 legislations and 2 initiatives.