Governments and Social Inequality

Question 1

Taxation

Answer 1

Income tax is often used bu governments to redistribute wealth from more prosperous to less prosperous groups, and so create a fairer society. Most governments have progressive tax systems where the better-off pay a larger proportion of their incomes in tax. Essential items such as food may be exempt from tax. This benefits poorer groups who spend a larger percentage of their income on food

Question 2

Subsidies

Answer 2

Governments also try to reduce inequality by giving subsidies to poorer groups. Children in poor families may get free school meals, clothing allowances and help with university fees. Pensioners may get subsidies for fuel and transport. Other subsidies may include free child care for single parents. Low wage earners, unemployed workers and those with long-term disabilities are entitled to benefits

Question 3

Planning

Answer 3

Governments, charities and housing agencies often give priority to upgrading housing and services in the poorest areas. Planning is often organised geographically and is targeted at the most deprived areas which vary in scale from neighbourhoods to entire regions

Question 4

Law

Answer 4

Legislation exists which outlaws discrimination on racial, gender, ethnic and age criteria and aims to give equal opportunities to all groups. The poorest groups of workers are protected by minimum-wage legislation

Question 5

Education

Answer 5

Governments often provide funding for training and upgrading skills in order to raise skill levels and qualifications, improve employment prospects and boost economic growth. Education programmes designed to improve personal health (e.g. diet, obesity, smoking) are often targeted at the poorest groups in society

Question 6

Income tax rates and bands (UK)

Answer 6

• Personal allowance: 0% up to £11,500
• Basic rate: 20% from £11,501 to £45,000
• Higher rate: 40% from £45,001 to £150,000
• Additional rate: 45% over £150,000

Question 7

UK government spending (2016- £760 billion)

Answer 7

• Split roughly 75% central/25% local government
• 20% pensions
• 18% health
• 15% welfare
• 12% education
• 35% remainder (e.g. transport; defence; international development)

Question 8

Taxation (simple)

Answer 8

• People who earn more are taxed a higher percentage on their additional earnings
• Some essential items are exempt from tax

Question 9

Subsidies (simple)

Answer 9

• Financial aid from the government (e.g. pensions, student loans, benefits)
• Single parents or low-income households can get free childcare

Question 10

Planning (simple)

Answer 10

• Charities and housing agencies given priority planning permission in deprived areas

Question 11

Law (simple)

Answer 11

• Everyone must be in education until they are 18.
• Employers cannot judge a candidate based on their race, sex, religion, sexuality
• The law protects people from discrimination based on race, gender (etc)
• Minimum wage protects poorer groups of workers

Question 12

Education (simple)

Answer 12

• Free and universal
• Education programmes that discuss issues such as drugs and obesity are often directed at schools to improve the personal health of young people