An underclass in Britain today?

An underclass in Britain today?

1. DEFINITION

   • A section of the population who choose not to work. These are the UNDERCLASS. They are below NS-SEC 8.
   • JOB-LESS BY CHOICE, BENEFIT DEPENDENT, CRIMINAL, SOCIALLY EXCLUDED

2. RESEARCH

   • Long term unemployment rapidly decreased over last 3 years from 2.8 to 1.5%.
   • 2 million single parent families in UK, 65% of these in work.

3. ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATIONS TO "BY CHOICE"

   • Benefits culture, Poverty Trap, Short-term orientation, Fatalism

4. THEORIES

   • New Right
     • Welfare safety-net for people hijacked by people with no intention of working.
   • Marxist
     • Underclass=demonisation of the working class. FOLK DEVILS. It dehumanises. Just an argument for cutting or removing benefits
   • Media
     • Creates a class from a few. Stereotypes these into scroungers, immoral and criminals. Supports right-wing political ideas about eradicating benefits

5. Conclusion

   • Trueto some degree. Enough to be a class? Technique for ending welfare?
   • Functionalists see positive. Makes NS-SEC 8 feel good