Social Policies

Question 1

Child Support Act (1991)

Answer 1

The Child Support Agency was set up to ensure that fathers who were absent from their children did pay maintenance for them so that this burden did not just fall on the welfare state.

Question 2

The Children’s Act (1989)

Answer 2

Acknowledged that children are vulnerable and need protecting, it identified roles for parents, schools and social services. This now means that courts are allowed to overrule parental decisions

Question 3

Sure Start Programme (2001)

Answer 3

Children get free nursery provision (from 2004 onwards). Aimed to help poorer families to ‘prepare their children for education’

Question 4

Child Poverty Act (2010)

Answer 4

Established a Child Poverty Commission, which aims to tackle all child poverty by 2020.

Question 5

Divorce Reform Act (1969)

Answer 5

Made divorce much easier – no ‘reason’ or blame had to be proved. More than 70% of divorces now initiated by women. New Right argue divorce is now too easy

Question 6

Abortion Act (1967)

Answer 6

Women given the ‘right’ to choose whether to keep a pregnancy

Question 7

Equal Pay Act (1970)

Answer 7

Wages should not be based on gender. However, research indicates women may still earn only 80% compared to men.

Question 8

Educational Maintenance Allowance (2004)

Answer 8

If household income £19,690 p.a. students (post 16) receive £30 per week. Abolished by Conservatives

Question 9

School fruit and vegetable scheme (2003)

Answer 9

Children are now given fruit daily in primary schools with additional encouragement to exercise as well as eating their ‘five a day’. This was followed up large scale media campaign which focussed on improved school meals.

Question 10

Crime and Disorder Act (1998)

Answer 10

Anti-Social Behaviour Orders - Individuals & families can be prosecuted for anti-social behaviour. However, 35% orders are broken. Some argue that working class areas are unfairly targeted.

Question 11

Maternity Leave (2005)

Answer 11

Increased to 9 months paid leave

Question 12

Paternity Leave (2005)

Answer 12

Already 2 weeks paid leave – now 6 months’ unpaid leave can be claimed

Question 13

Civil Partnerships Law (2005)

Answer 13

Same-sex couples can sign up to a formal relationship giving many rights enjoyed by married couples, especially important for inheritance and pensions.

Question 14

Higher Education Grants & Bursaries (2005)

Answer 14

Although many students will have to pay fees after completing a course in higher education, many poorer students will be entitled to a grant to help with costs. These students will not have to pay fees [means tested]. Universities also have to offer bursaries to 1/3 of their students.