Anthony Giddens

Question 1

key ideas

Answer 1

1. the rejection of state intervention: social democracy must be modernised due to the impact of globalisation, the new knowledge economy and more individualistic aspirations
2. the ‘social investment’ state: he rejected the economic and social engineering that underpinned the state welfare and redistribution programmes of previous social-democratic govs

Question 2

the economy

Answer 2

the free market is the most efficient system of production and it encourages desirable personal qualities, such as responsibility

Question 3

the state

Answer 3

• equality of opportunity over equality. everyone needs equal opportunity to better themselves through their ability and effort. gov action would be required to control the inevitable widening inequalities of outcome
• state welfare fosters a culture of dependency; instead a ‘social investment’ state is needed - a ‘contract’ between the state and the citizen. the state benefits from growth so must invest in infrastructure and education. the people must take advantage of this and help themselves

Question 4

human nature

Answer 4

community and responsibility, rather than class conflict, are important to offset the negative effects of the free market and promote social cohesion, shared values and individual and social responsibility