What was the nature and extent of social change under Reagan? Flashcards
What is ‘Workfare’?
The idea introduced by Reagan that family benefit would not be paid unless at least one parent was in work
Why were some parents unable to work as a result of government policy and how would this affect their workfare rights
14% cuts to childcare spending meant parents could not go into work as they could not find childcare which would make them ineligible for benefits
In 1970, how many surplus social homes were available for families to apply for
In 1985, how many families qualified for these homes but couldn’t move in as there were none available
Why the difference and what was the effect
2.4 million surplus in 1970
3.7 million families in 1985
Cuts to low-cost housing development from $32.2 billion in 1978 to $9.2 billion in 1988
This led the homeless population to nearly double during Reagan’s Presidency
4 Welfare Measures introduced by Reagan, when they were implemented and what they did
13th October 1982 - Job Training Partnership Act:
Shifts job training to state and private schemes and removes any need for the trainees to have their incomes made up to the minimum wage
20th April 1983 - Social Security Reform Bill:
Delays the linking of payments to inflation from uly to December, raises the amount the government takes from wages to cover the benefit and changes the earnings test for eligibility
22nd July 1987 - McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act:
Sets up the Federal Emergency Management and Shelter Program, to be run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
13th October 1988 - Family Support Act:
A family is only to be eligible for benefits if 1 parent is working at least 16hrs a week, single parents expected to finish education and undergo job training, the state to provide childcare
How much did FEMA contribute to the Federal Emegency Management Food and Shelter Program
They let the state choose the type of project and contribute their own money, then FEMA would match that investment
Who did FEMA prioritise in a transitional housing scheme
Elderly, Disabled, Veterans, Families with Children and Native Americans
How much did the rate of foreclosure (mortgage lenders repossessing homes due to unmet payments) increase by from 1980-87
4 times
How many hours of leisure did people have on average in 1973 vs 1987 and what does this indicate
1973: 26
1987: 16
This showed that people had to work harder in order to make ends meet and compete with others in a society without much aid
Reagan reduced funding for bilingual education by __%
40%
Was Reagan in favour of womens rights
Likely not as he opposed the Equal Rights Act and had to be persuaded not to introduce anti-abortion legislation
Was Reagan in favour of gay rights
It is disagreed - he did provide funding for AIDS research in 1982 but some argue that he ignored the epidemic until his friend Rock Hudson died of it
2 reasons why businesses changed under Reagan
- Big businesses profited from less regulation over wages, working hours and working conditions
- Deregulation meant big businesses could buy smaller ones
This led to the establish of major TNCs but smaller businesses struggled
How was farming changed under Reagan
High interest rates and federal non-intervention alongside a drought led to small farmers having to sell their farms to agri-businesses
In 1983, the farmer suicide rate was _x higher than the national average
4x
Name 2 cities with over 20% of people below the poverty line thoroght Reagan’s presidency
Baltimore and Cleveland
Which sectors struggled and thrived under Reagan
Primary Sector struggled
Secondary Sector struggled
Tertiary Sector thrived
Which parts of the USA did best under Reagan and which region suffered most
The coastal states, especially California, boomed due to more industry leading more people to move in
The Great Plains States suffered as they were dependent on farming
