Social Policy Themes and Issues
It has been reported that the idea of the “welfare state” usually refers to an ideal model of provision, where the state accepts responsibility for the provision of comprehensive and universal welfare for its citizens (2006). In addition, identified three principal elements on the British welfare state, namely, a guarantee of minimum standards, including a minimum income; social protection in the event of insecurity; and the provision of services at the best level possible (2006). In practice, social welfare in the United Kingdom is very different from this ideal, for in the United Kingdom, coverage is extensive, but benefits and services are delivered at a low level (2006). Moreover, the social protection provided is patchy, and services are tightly rationed ( 2006).
In essence, the welfare state in the United Kingdom offers much more than the concept of welfare state being suggested. The services being offered by the government of the United Kingdom is much better compared to other countries, making living conditions in the country much higher. However, some services are not met by the government, and despite the high income of this country, still there are impoverished citizens in the UK, who are unemployed. In addition, some citizens suffer much from racial discrimination and human rights violations. The concept of the welfare state in the UK may be the perfect example of standard living conditions. However, due to the neglect and mismanagement of officials, services provided may be minimal.
Despite our high regard for the economy, society, history and culture of the United Kingdom, there are still some other aspects in its government, which are considered unacceptable. Nowadays, more and more anti-racist movements are being established to fight for the rights of many citizens, whose human rights are being violated. With the presence of different races in the United Kingdom, the domination of the white race persists, leaving other races in the country under their mercy. Some of these races present in the United Kingdom are the Muslims, Pakistanis, Arabians, Asians, and Africans. Most of them suffer from discrimination and violation of human rights, such as racist attacks, housing discrimination, violence, poverty, religion discrimination, and unemployment. Due to these, the concept of the British welfare state is being distorted, for the government of the United Kingdom cannot provide protection and equality among all races present in their country. The presence of anti-racist movements in the United Kingdom contributes to the government’s pressure of meeting the expectations of their citizens for better services. The presence of anti-racist movements also serves as a warning to the government of the existing injustices and inequality in the British society. Furthermore, the government can strive to improve their laws and regulations, and further analyze the country’s situation to prevent the incidence of social chaos and destabilization of the government.
Welfare States of rich Western countries are not essentially the same. These differences are being examined and evaluated using five main approaches. The five approaches include the Comparison of Policy, the Comparison of Inputs, Comparing Production, Comparing Operations, and Comparing Outcomes (2006). Comparison of Policy is done by comparing and examining the overt terms, to arouse actions by the government. A study was made with the historical development of welfare in Europe and America, and states that the welfare in different countries often develops on similar lines (2006). In Comparison of Inputs, inputs are defined as the resources, which go into welfare provision (2006). One study suggests that welfare spending shows that the main determinants are the age of the system and the structure of the population (2006). Comparing Production is also one approach, showing that different states operate different kinds of rules and structures (2006). With this observation, one study uses evidence on the organization and delivery of specific services to define positions adopted by different welfare states ( 2006). Comparing Operations is done by considering the detailed operation of benefits and services, such as what the state does, how the states are paid for, and who runs them ( 2006). The last approach is Comparing Outcomes. It has been reported that the case can be made that what matters about welfare is not what is intended, nor what the process is, but whether or not people benefit from it (2006). In stating these approaches, it can be deduced that no Western countries are alike in terms of Welfare States, as these approaches serve as basis for their differences.
The concept of Neoliberalism or capitalism affects and determines the concept of globalization today. Its idea also influences the concept of social policy in the United Kingdom and other countries as well. Neoliberal thinking aims to reduce taxation, especially on wealth and high earners, which leads to providing incentives by the government. It also aims to reduce public social expenditure and promote private social expenditure such as in healthcare, pension and higher education. The concept of neoliberalism can also result to permanent mass unemployment, and somehow preventing the increase in inflation, and thus affect the British economy and its output. Neoliberalism also leads to the change in the benefits, pensions and public services in the British society, thus providing better opportunities for investment of private sectors. This gives the economy of United Kingdom the opportunity to earn more and profit from the trade. The concept of neoliberalism also supports free trade and welfare reform, promotes privatization and minimal intervention of the government. Social policy can be adversely affected by this concept, by improving the economy of United Kingdom in terms of better provision of social services, such as in healthcare, housing and education, and can promote the delivery of welfare of the citizens. This concept offers great opportunities, given the advocacy of the government to the good of its citizens.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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