SOCIOLOGY

Sociology Assignment

Sociology Assignment

What is meant by the term 'the welfare state' today in Contemporary Britain?

The social development which the British society has witnessed over the past couple of decades is a product of consistent interaction between their government and the citizens. However, despite the fact that the economy's output is much higher than it was a couple of decades ago; the citizens are not happier than they were. Over 10 million citizens in the British society are dependent on benefits to support their living. The society has witnessed a more than a100% increase in the number of families without a bread earner during the last couple of decades. Criminal activities in Britain have been active enough to make it the one of the largest industries in the country (Field, 2010). This shows that British society is in dire need to revitalize its welfare programs, which should not only offer soft-options, but should design hard-headed strong initiatives for improvement at macro level.

By bringing revolution in education not just in terms of providing basic elementary education to all, but providing opportunities for all to access higher education. Moreover, welfare of unemployed people in the society can be increased not by forcing for government support but by devising housing benefits of low cost mortgage that can lessen cost of living and society can prosper on a unanimous basis (Borrie, 2004). In nutshell, providing a framework for improving the welfare of the entire society should be based upon the theme of providing a helping hand to people instead of treating them as a burden on the economy.

What are the Characteristics of Conservative Welfare State Model?

Conservative welfare state model can be simply defined as a framework of governance which supports the increase in dependence of the citizens on the central government. A classic example of this model can be the German society which is characterised by the notion that state works for the welfare of its citizens. However, such a welfare model does not focus on eradicating social injustice and improving the lives of its citizens; but is more concerned about maintaining the hierarchy of authority in the society.

Another characteristic of a conservative state is its fundamentalists nature, may that be with regards to religion or nationality. They are highly convinced and held strong belief on religious beliefs and values they hold. It also stresses upon keeping the family values intact. It ...