British Political Economy: Social Democracy vs. Thatcherism
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Questions and Answers

What key factor contributed to significant poverty rates in London during the early 1900s?

  • Economic recovery post-World War I
  • Illness and incapacity (correct)
  • Decline in traditional industries
  • High levels of immigration

    • What evidence did Charles Booth's study provide regarding poverty in London?

  • Poverty rates were decreasing nationwide.
  • Poverty affected only single-parent families.
  • Poverty was limited to specific regions within London.
  • Approximately 30% of Londoners were living in poverty. (correct)

    • During which period did absolute poverty fall due to the effects of full employment, although relative poverty remained an issue?

  • 1939-1945 (correct)
  • Great Depression
  • 1920s
  • Post-World War I

    • Which of the following was a significant flaw in pre-war and mid-war welfare policies?

    <p>Inadequate healthcare for low-paid workers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the proposed solutions for addressing the issues faced by marginalized communities regarding welfare?

    <p>Establishment of a redistributive system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a major economic factor contributing to the consideration of social democracy in the UK?

    <p>Rising inflation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what was the primary objective of social democracy in the UK post-World War II?

    <p>To establish a welfare state and reduce inequality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The content mentions research by Charles Booth, Seebohm Rowntree, Bowley, and Arthur Lyon. What was the major finding of their studies?

    <p>Poverty was a prevalent issue, affecting a significant portion of the population (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary consequence of the World Wars and the Great Depression on the UK's economy?

    <p>Economic instability and a drastic rise in unemployment and poverty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of the economic factors leading to the adoption of social democracy in the UK?

    <p>The decline of the British Empire (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Social Democracy

    A political ideology aiming to reduce inequality and promote social welfare.

    Post-War Britain

    The UK government’s efforts from 1945 to 1979 to establish social democracy.

    Economic Factors

    Key elements that drove the adoption of social democracy in the UK after the wars.

    Poverty Causes

    Factors that contributed to high poverty levels in the UK before 1900.

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    Inequality Gap

    The disparity in wealth and opportunities among different social classes.

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    Poverty Rate

    The percentage of people living in poverty, indicating economic hardship.

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    Charles Booth's Study

    Research revealing that approximately 30% of Londoners were in poverty around 1901-1903.

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    Great Depression Impact

    The era (1929-1933) that caused high unemployment and increased poverty levels.

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    Wartime Rationing Effects

    During WWII, rationing helped maintain minimum nutrition but didn't resolve relative poverty.

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    Welfare Policy Flaws

    Challenges in pre-war and mid-war welfare policies included funding issues and inequality in healthcare access.

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    Study Notes

    British Political Economy: Social Democracy and Thatcherism

    • The lecture contrasts models of British political economy, focusing on social democracy and Thatcherism.
    • The aim of social democracy in the UK was to balance economic growth, social justice, and ensuring fairness and equality of opportunity.
    • Social democracy, from 1945 to 1979, aimed to reduce inequality and widen opportunities.
    • This was driven by factors including the historical conditions preceding its adoption, influencing factors on the political economy of Great Britain post-war, and political strategies considered.
    • Key factors leading to the consideration/adoption of social democracy in the UK included economic, social, and political factors.
    • Economic factors such as the World Wars, Great Depression, economic crises, increase in national debt, unemployment, and poverty played a role in the adoption of social democracy.

    Economic Factors Leading to Social Democracy

    • The World Wars and Great Depression had a devastating impact.
    • Economic collapse in the 1930s and 1940s led to a crisis in economic growth, increased national debt, exponential increases in unemployment, and widespread poverty.
    • Social inequality was also widened.
    • The war caused significant destruction to infrastructure and industry, requiring large-scale state intervention.
    • Economic stagnation was a factor, as shown by low GDP per capita.
    • National economic debt significantly increased after World War II and during the Covid and Financial Crises.
    • Unemployment rates rose and fell throughout the period studied (1900-1999).
    • Poverty was prevalent even before the 1900s; some studies show as much as 30% of Londoners in poverty between 1901-1903.

    Social and Cultural Factors

    • Shared sacrifices during the war, collective experiences, demand for safety nets, economic security, strengthened solidarity and egalitarianism led to changes in values.
    • Social mixing, resulting from people sharing bomb shelters and other wartime experiences, expanded awareness of class differences and poverty.
    • The housing crisis, caused by widespread bombing, impacted house constructions and labour, leading to a shortage of materials and labour. An estimated 750,000 new houses were needed.
    • High infant mortality rates during this period. From 1900 to 1930, thousand deaths fell from 140 to 63 per thousand births.
    • William Beveridge's 1942 Report on Social Insurance and Allied Services, the Beveridge Report, focused on comprehensive, universal, contributory, and compulsory social security solutions.

    Political Factors

    • Flaws in pre-war and mid-war welfare policies were a strong motivation behind social democracy.
    • Inefficient social support systems were in place, with unequal distribution of resources in communities.
    • Inequity in the systems for reform implementation, and inadequate healthcare access and services, were a large part of the inequalities.
    • Labour Party's vision and leadership, significant figures like Clement Attlee, aimed to create a welfare state through redistributing wealth, nationalizing key industries, and providing universal social services.
    • Post-war consensus, including Keynesian economics, a mixed economy, nationalization of major industries, a commitment to full employment.

    Social Democracy's Achievements

    • Reduced poverty amongst the middle class
    • Improved life expectancy
    • Reduced unemployment
    • Redistribution of wealth

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    Related Documents

    Contrasting Models of British Political Economy PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the contrasting models of British political economy, focusing on the principles of social democracy and the policies of Thatcherism. It examines the historical context and key economic factors leading to the adoption of social democracy in the UK from 1945 to 1979. Test your understanding of these pivotal political ideologies and their implications for economic growth and social justice.

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