The welfare state and life chances Cambridge IGCSE Sociology revision
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In plain words
In some countries, a broken leg, a lost job or old age can ruin a family. In others the state catches you. The welfare state is that safety net, paid for by taxes, and the argument is over how wide it should be.
8 things to know
- A welfare state is a system in which the government takes responsibility for the basic well-being of its citizens, paying for services and benefits out of taxes.
- Free or universal education: every child can go to school whatever the family's income. This gives children from poor families a chance of qualifications and social mobility.
- Free healthcare: treatment does not depend on ability to pay. This improves the health and life expectancy of the poor.
- Unemployment benefits give an income to people who are out of work. Pensions give an income to people who have retired.
- Low-cost housing: homes are provided at rents below the market rate, for people who could not otherwise afford a decent place to live.
- A universal basic income is a regular payment made by the state to every adult, with no conditions, whether or not they work. It has been tried in small trials. Supporters say it would end poverty simply. Critics say it would cost too much and reduce the incentive to work.
- Impact: welfare states have reduced absolute poverty and improved the life chances of the poor in education and health.
- Limitations: inequality remains. Benefits are often low, and claiming them can carry a stigma. The better off often gain the most from free services such as universities.
Worked example
A factory closes and 500 workers lose their jobs. Explain how a welfare state protects the life chances of their families.
- Unemployment benefits replace part of the lost wages, so the families can still buy food and pay rent.
- Free healthcare means that illness does not go untreated for lack of money.
- Free education means that the children stay at school and keep their chance of qualifications.
- Without these, a job loss could push a family into absolute poverty.
Tips and tricks
- Link each welfare measure to a life chance: free healthcare to life expectancy, free education to qualifications, low-cost housing to living conditions.
- A universal benefit goes to everyone. Universal basic income is the widest example, because it goes to every adult with no conditions.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
The welfare state and life chances: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
How is a welfare state paid for?
The government collects taxes and spends them on services and benefits.
What is a universal basic income?
Universal means everyone receives it.
How does free healthcare affect life chances?
Treatment no longer depends on income.
Who receives a pension?
It replaces wages in old age.
Which finding would suggest that a welfare state has not ended inequality?Stretch
A gap in life expectancy shows that life chances remain unequal.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 10 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
The welfare state and life chances
Cambridge IGCSE Sociology 0495 · 10 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What is meant by the term "welfare state"?[2]
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A system in which the government takes responsibility for the well-being of its citizens, providing services and benefits paid for by taxes.
Describe two ways in which a welfare state can improve life chances.[4]
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Any two, each described: free education lets all children gain qualifications; free healthcare improves health and life expectancy; unemployment benefits protect people from poverty when out of work; pensions protect the old from poverty; low-cost housing gives decent living conditions.
Explain one argument for and one argument against a universal basic income.[4]
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For: every adult would have a guaranteed income, so nobody would fall into absolute poverty, and the system would be simple. Against: paying everyone would be very expensive (or: some people might choose not to work).
Answers: The welfare state and life chances
- 1. A system in which the government takes responsibility for the well-being of its citizens, providing services and benefits paid for by taxes.
- 2. Any two, each described: free education lets all children gain qualifications; free healthcare improves health and life expectancy; unemployment benefits protect people from poverty when out of work; pensions protect the old from poverty; low-cost housing gives decent living conditions.
- 3. For: every adult would have a guaranteed income, so nobody would fall into absolute poverty, and the system would be simple. Against: paying everyone would be very expensive (or: some people might choose not to work).