Social Issues (ST2): Wealth and Health Inequalities Aims of Study Theme (Pupils should be able to): Give evidence of inequalities in wealth and health State the founding principles of the Welfare State Explain the extent to which the founding principles of the Welfare State are still met Explain the causes of inequalities in wealth and health Examine the success of government responses to wealth and health inequalities Provide evidence of gender and race inequalities; describe policies to reduce these inequalities and success

Lesson 1: Introduction - Wealth Inequalities in the UK Learning Intentions: (After this lesson pupils should be able to): 1.Provide evidence that the UK is a rich country but that wealth and income are not shared out evenly. 2. Explain why the process of social classification of people is necessary. 3. Describe at least two classifications that social scientists use to categories different people. By any international comparison the UK is a wealthy country. Whether measured by GDP per capita (wealth created per head) or GNP (total wealth creation), the UK is among the top 20 richest countries in the world.

Although the UK is a wealthy country, this does not mean that everyone in the UK is equally wealthy. For example in 2010: the richest 10% of the UK population receive 25% of total income; the poorest 40% just 20% of total income; average income for a male in the UK (2009) was £27,612 (female £22,152). Although many people in Scotland and the UK earn more than £25k average, these figures hide the fact that the richest 10% of the population are 100 times as wealthier (average £853,000) than the poorest 10% (av. £8,800). Median household income around 22k. Note: Income is paid employment, money from benefits, etc. Wealth includes income, land, housing shares, savings, etc. Income and Wealth Inequality in the UK

Social Class - Why Classify People? Social classification is necessary in order to measure trends and progress throughout society. Researchers use the data collected, although imprecise or disputed, to analyse changes in income, employment, wealth, poverty and health between different groups of people. This information can then be used by any interested party to initiate a debate which may then result in policies being put forward to resolve problems. Without classification or analysis of information, it would be very difficult if not impossible to improve society. Register General Classification (pre-2001 classification) Class A or IProfessionalSolicitor, HT Class B or IITechnical or middleRadiologist lower managerial Superstore manager Class C1 or IIISkilled ManualTradesman Class C2 or IIISkilled Non-manual Computer operator Class D or IVSemi-skilledTechnician Class E or VUnskilledLabourer, Driver

National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (Used since 2001 although there are other classifications) 1. Higher Managerial and Professional Occupations: - Large employers / higher managerial e.g. company directors - Higher professional occupations e.g. doctors, lawyers 2.Lower Managerial and Professional Occupations: nurses, journalists 3.Intermediate Occupations: clerks, secretaries 4.Small Employers and Own Account Workers: publicans, farmers 5.Lower Supervisory and Technical Occupations: printers, plumbers 6.Semi-routine Occupations: shop assistants, hairdressers 7.Routine Occupations: couriers, labourer 8. Never Worked / Long-term Unemployed

Questions 1. What evidence is there of income and wealth inequality in the UK? Make two points. 2. Explain why social classification is necessary. 3. Describe two kinds of people found in the ‘top & bottom social classes’ from both the Register General Classification and the National Statistics Socio-economic Classification. Reading: “Modern UK Social Issues” pages 4-9.