The 1960's- Social change and liberal reforms

Question 1

How was liberal reforming legislation achieved?

Answer 1

• Roy Jenkins and other legislators pushed for social change
• Shift in attitudes -linked to youth and affluence.
• Private members Bills: Free vote (According to conscience not Party)
• -> Jenkins made parlimentry time for issues.

Question 2

What were the four main Liberal reforms introduced under Labour?

Answer 2

Capital Punishment - 1965
Divorce reform - 1969
Legalisation of Abortion 1967
Sexual offences Act - 1967

Question 3

What were the Terms and background behind each of the 4 major reforms?

Answer 3

• Capital Punishment: Ruth Ellis case boosted abolitionists case.Jenkins brought majority Verdict –> Provided balance as this help reduce the No. of dangerous criminals.
• Divorce Reform Act: Previously had to prove adultery. Act permitted ‘No Fault’ divorces.Qualify if both wanted divorce and lived 2 years apart. 5 years if only one partner wanted divorce.–> Divorce rates Skyrocketed.
• Legalisation of Abortion: Backstreet Abortions –> many death .Abolitionists case was strengthened by the Thalidomide disaster.4% of births to 17.6% of births

sexual offences act: Tories rejected the Wolfenden report.Act did not legalise homosexuality, only decriminalise. Terms: Over 21, in private.

Question 4

Why was there opposition to the tripartite system? Whats system was it replaced with?

Answer 4

• Was clear that the three types of schools weren’t equal- m/c dominated grammar shcools
• Replaced with a comprehensive system. –> tony Crossland accelerated the conversion as funding would be prioritised comprehensive schools

Question 5

What changes were made to higher education?

Answer 5

Robbins committee–> need to promote science and tech.

• -> expand higher education. New Polytechnics and Uni’s opened up.
• Provide opportunities for families who hadn’t come from a uni background.