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Poverty in modern-day Britain remains a grim reality for 14 million people, with social and economic structures trapping them in job insecurity, ill-health, overcrowded housing, and educational disadvantage. Helen Barnard examines how to build a fairer, more equal society and what a modern welfare state should aim to achieve.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Agenda Publishing

Poverty in modern-day Britain has evolved, yet it persists as a significant issue for 14 million individuals across the UK. Despite rising living standards, social and economic structures continue to trap individuals at the bottom, leading to job insecurity, ill-health, overcrowded housing, and educational disadvantages. In her essay, Helen Barnard explores the challenges and potential solutions to eradicating poverty in Britain. She examines the need for a fairer and more equal society and proposes a modern welfare state that aims to achieve various objectives, including an honest appraisal of the trade-offs and choices involved in its creation.

Poverty in modern-day Britain has taken on a different form compared to the era of Beveridge. While it may not have disappeared entirely, it remains a pressing concern for 14 million people across the UK. Despite the improvements in living standards, social and economic structures continue to perpetuate job insecurity, ill-health, overcrowded housing, and educational disadvantages for those at the bottom.

In her essay, Helen Barnard delves into the complexities of eradicating poverty in Britain. She examines the need for a fairer and more equal society, where individuals have access to the necessary goods and services to live a decent life and fully participate in society. Barnard also explores what a modern welfare state should aim to achieve, including an honest appraisal of the trade-offs and choices involved in creating such a system.

One of the key challenges in addressing poverty is the structural inequality that exists in society. Social and economic structures often create barriers to upward mobility, leaving individuals trapped in low-paying jobs, inadequate healthcare, and overcrowded housing. Barnard argues that it is essential to address these structural issues to create a more equitable society.

To achieve this, Barnard suggests building a fairer and more equal society through policies that promote social mobility, such as education and training programs, affordable housing, and access to healthcare. She also emphasizes the importance of creating a social safety net that provides support to those who are most vulnerable, including low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

In addition to addressing structural inequality, Barnard proposes a modern welfare state that aims to provide a comprehensive set of benefits and services to support individuals in need. This includes measures such as income support, job training programs, healthcare, and social housing. However, Barnard recognizes that creating a modern welfare state is not without its challenges.

One of the trade-offs involved in creating a welfare state is the potential impact on individual responsibility and self-reliance. Some argue that providing too much support can lead to a sense of dependency and discourage individuals from taking responsibility for their own lives. Barnard argues that a balance must be struck between providing sufficient support to individuals in need and encouraging them to become self-sufficient.

Another trade-off is the cost of implementing and maintaining a modern welfare state. Barnard acknowledges that funding such programs can be a significant burden on governments, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. However, she argues that investing in social welfare is crucial to creating a more just and equitable society and can lead to long-term economic benefits.

In conclusion, poverty in modern-day Britain has evolved, but it persists as a significant issue for 14 million individuals across the UK. Despite rising living standards, social and economic structures continue to trap individuals at the bottom, leading to job insecurity, ill-health, overcrowded housing, and educational disadvantages. Helen Barnard's essay explores the challenges and potential solutions to eradicating poverty in Britain. She emphasizes the need for a fairer and more equal society, where individuals have access to the necessary goods and services to live a decent life and fully participate in society. Barnard also proposes a modern welfare state that aims to provide a comprehensive set of benefits and services to support individuals in need, while balancing the trade-offs and choices involved in its creation. By addressing structural inequality, promoting social mobility, and investing in social welfare, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.

Weight: 208g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788213974