Question 1: Define the term 'welfare state' and explain its main purpose in UK society.

Answer: A welfare state is a government system that provides social services and financial support to citizens to promote well-being and reduce inequality. Its main purpose is to support those in need and ensure a minimum standard of living.

Question 2: Describe two types of social benefits provided by the UK welfare state.

Answer: Examples include unemployment benefits, which provide financial support to those out of work, and healthcare services, such as the National Health Service (NHS), which offers free medical care.

Question 3: Explain how the welfare state can contribute to reducing social inequality.

Answer: The welfare state reduces social inequality by redistributing resources through taxes and benefits, providing access to healthcare, education, and social services for disadvantaged groups, thereby improving their quality of life and opportunities.

Question 4: Identify and briefly describe one criticism of the UK welfare state related to social stratification.

Answer: A criticism is that it may create dependency, where recipients rely on benefits and are less motivated to seek employment, potentially perpetuating poverty and social divisions.

Question 5: Discuss how the existence of a welfare state might reinforce social stratification rather than eliminate it.

Answer: While intended to reduce inequality, the welfare state can reinforce stratification if access to benefits is linked to class or income, creating a cycle where the wealthy benefit more from social services, and disadvantaged groups remain in lower social strata due to limited opportunities.

Question 6: Describe a scenario where a person from a lower social class benefits from the welfare state. Include details about the support received and its impact.

Answer: A person who loses their job might receive unemployment benefits, which provide financial support during their job search. This assistance helps maintain their standard of living and prevents them from falling into deeper poverty, offering stability while they seek new employment.

Question 7: Sketch a diagram illustrating how social stratification might persist despite the presence of the welfare state. Label the main layers and the flow of resources.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a stratified social pyramid with different levels (e.g., upper, middle, lower class). Arrows indicate that resources and opportunities tend to flow upward or remain within the same class, illustrating persistent stratification despite welfare policies.

Question 8: Explain the concept of 'social mobility' and discuss how the welfare state can influence it.

Answer: Social mobility is the ability of individuals or groups to move between social classes. The welfare state can promote mobility by providing education, healthcare, and social support, giving lower-income individuals better opportunities for upward movement.

Question 9: Identify one way in which the welfare state might unintentionally widen social inequality.

Answer: If access to certain benefits is limited or requires complex bureaucratic procedures, it might favor those with more knowledge or resources, leaving disadvantaged groups behind and widening the gap.

Question 10: Reflect on whether the UK welfare state successfully reduces social stratification. Support your answer with reasons.

Answer: The UK welfare state has helped reduce some aspects of social stratification by providing support and opportunities for disadvantaged groups. However, inequalities persist due to factors like unequal access, social discrimination, and economic disparities. Therefore, while it alleviates some inequality, it does not fully eliminate stratification.