roles governments can play in patterns of socail inequality

Question 1

How can the government tackle social and economic inequalities?

Answer 1

-taxation
-Subsidies
-Universal credit
-Planning
-Law
-Education

Question 2

How can taxation be used to tackle social and economic inequalities?

Answer 2

-income tax is used to redistribute wealth from prosperous to poor groups
-Most governments have a progressive tax system, where the richer pay larger proportion of tax
-Some items are exempt from tax like food goods, which benefits the poor who spend more money on food

Question 3

Figures for tax in the UK

Answer 3

-£ 12,570 = 0%
-more than £125,140 = 45%

Question 4

how do subsidies help tackle social economic inequalities

Answer 4

-children in poor families may get free school meals and clothing allowances also help with uni fees
-Pensioners may get subsidies for fuel and transport
-Free childcare for single parents
-Low wage earners, unemployed workers, and those with long-term disabilities are entitled to benefits

Question 5

How do universal credits help tackle social and economic inequalities

Answer 5

-payment for over 18s but not understate pension age who are on low income or out of work
-for cost of housing, children and childcare, and also financial support for those with disabilities
-Replacing child tax credit, house benefits and income support

Question 6

How does planning help tackle social and economic inequalities?

Answer 6

-governments, charities and housing agencies, give priority to upgrading houses and services in the poorest areas
-Planning is organised geographically to target the most deprived areas

Question 7

how does law help tackle social and economic inequalities?

Answer 7

-Legislation exists that outlaws discrimination on racial, ethnic, gender and age criteria, and aims to give opportunities to all groups
-poorest workers are protected by minimum wage laws

Question 8

How does education help tackle social and economic inequalities?

Answer 8

-government funding for training to teach in order to raise skill levels and qualifications, improve employment prospects and boost economic growth
-Education programs are designed to improve personal health and targeted at the poorest groups

Question 9

In 2016, what did the government spend to reduce inequalities?

Answer 9

£760 billion