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How Successful Has the Welfare State Been in Delivering Equality?

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The majority of those who have a reasonably satisfactory understanding of the welfare state will agree that the definition entails; a nation whereby the government undertake appropriate action to ensure the provision of social goods and benefits. These welfare programs are usually provided at public expense with little or no cost to the recipient of the services. Policy prescriptions advanced by proponents of the welfare state emphasise securing a minimum standard of living for all of the population where no one is denied an essential service which might be available to others. This includes the production of social goods and services, the control of the business cycle and the manipulation of total output to allow for social costs …show more content…

In order for the welfare state to be successful at delivering equality among the population the preceding factors must first be achieved. In order for educational equality to be attempted, financial barriers separating those who can afford educational fees and those who cannot must be minimised or removed. If everyone is entitled to the same opportunity of education then, equality can be sought after. This was apparent during the period 1974-1979, where it was recognised that a redistribution of educational resources towards girls, women and minority groups as well as towards the working class is required. Thus, aiming at giving everyone the same opportunity for an education. Contained in the 1998 Human Rights Act is an authoritative statement which is essential for the basis of equality. It states that `no person shall be denied the right to education', although a rather basic statement, it provides the basis for equality of opportunity which is essential since education is an investment on behalf of the wider society. The 1944 Education Act contained the idea of delivering educational opportunity to all those that may be concerned. Thus, the movement towards equality was evident and ever becoming a reality. In its implementation, equality was seen as the removal of financial barriers to different types of secondary education to permit selection based on ability and aptitude. Equality amongst all was intended with

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