Collectevism vs Individualism

• Welfare state, was designeed to take care of citizens neeeds from cradle to the grave, took a collectivist approach to the five giants outlined in the bevereidge report (Poverty, Housing, Education etc.) following WW2.

  
  

  Acts as a safety net for all citizens against extreme poverty and ill health with the introduction of the NHS, Free Schooling and Council hosuing.
• Collectivism leads to a dependency culture, Individualists argue that government-provided welfare takes away individual responsibility, leading to disincentivation to work. For example, GOV.UK reported that in 2024 to 2025 the government is forecast to spend £305.6 billion on benefts, Total GB welfare spending is forecast to be 11% of GDP and 24.9% of the total amount the government spends in 2024 to 2025. Individualists argue that this simply funds those who are unwilling to work and that this money could be better spent elsewhere such as closing the attainment gap in education.
• However, collectivists would argue that some people are not unemployed through choice – they cannot work, for example due to mental health issiues. For example, According to official data published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), at least 20,000 incapacity benefit claims are for mental health problems. the Welfare system acts as a life jacket for those in need in society. Without a collective response, people face more inequality, which is detrimental to society as a whole.
• Education, the welfare state tackled education by providing a state run education system with a national curriculumn with national qualifications such as National 5's and Highers that are recognised by employers, universities and colleges.
• Comprehensive free schooling has allowed children to gain equal opportunities. Especially in Scotland where theyre are no upfront tuition fees for going into higher education whereas in England students have to pay up to £9,250 per year. This has allowed Scottish students to pursue their dream careers by allowing them to gather qualifications with no upfront cost.
• There is a perception of private schools increasing career options as smaller classes will increase chances of getting better qualifications.

  
  

  For example, the Sutton Foundation has found that those in private schools are taking up jobs in law, medicine and politics.

  
  

  However the average cost of attending private school in the UK is £20,500 annually.
• Housing, the welfare state introduced council houses to tackle homelessness and overcrowding. They were built to house low income families and provided affordable rents. For example in 2023, 4.4 Million homes were occupied by households in council housing

  
  

  Shelter England reports that council housing rent is up to 80% of what a private landlord charges.
• Healthcare, NHS was formed in 1948 that provides healthcare based off of need rather than pay, which ensures fair access and care for all.

  
  

  However, individualists argue that the NHS costs too much due to peoples lifestyles. For example, ASH Scotland reports that £1.9 Billion annualy, furthermore, NHS England reports that 16% of hospital admissions from 2022-23 were smoking related