Seven For universalism and against the means test
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Carol Walker
Abstract
This chapter sets out the reasons for Peter’s impassioned arguments against means tests and in favour of universalism: a campaign which began in the 1950s, in relation to failures of the British social security system, and ended with his critique of The World Bank’s promotion of selectivity in developing economies in his final book Building decent societies. It explores the reasons why means-tested benefits systems have consistently been favoured by governments despite, and sometimes because, they do not reach all those for whom they are intended. It notes that Peter criticizes means tests for creating a hierarchy and a ‘division of the population into first-class and second-class citizens’, between the ‘deserving’ and the ‘undeserving’, between different categories of claimants and between claimants and taxpayers. It thus points out, the case for universalism is based on far more than its technical superiority to means-tested benefits — has a crucial role to play in the promotion of social justice and solidarity.
Abstract
This chapter sets out the reasons for Peter’s impassioned arguments against means tests and in favour of universalism: a campaign which began in the 1950s, in relation to failures of the British social security system, and ended with his critique of The World Bank’s promotion of selectivity in developing economies in his final book Building decent societies. It explores the reasons why means-tested benefits systems have consistently been favoured by governments despite, and sometimes because, they do not reach all those for whom they are intended. It notes that Peter criticizes means tests for creating a hierarchy and a ‘division of the population into first-class and second-class citizens’, between the ‘deserving’ and the ‘undeserving’, between different categories of claimants and between claimants and taxpayers. It thus points out, the case for universalism is based on far more than its technical superiority to means-tested benefits — has a crucial role to play in the promotion of social justice and solidarity.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures and tables vii
- Preface viii
- Notes on contributors ix
- The legacy of Peter Townsend 1
- The making of a pioneer researcher: reflections from Peter Townsend’s life story 29
- Peter Townsend, a man ahead of his time: re-reading The family life of old people and The last refuge 59
- The case for universal child benefit 79
- Poverty 91
- Social justice for children: investigating and eradicating child poverty 111
- For universalism and against the means test 133
- Underclass, overclass, ruling class, supernova class 153
- Addressing health inequalities: building on Peter Townsend’s legacy 175
- Towards a new sociology of ageing: from structured dependency to critical gerontology 193
- Disability: prospects for social inclusion 223
- Putting the lawyers in their place: the role of human rights in the struggle against poverty 241
- Radicalising social policy in the 21st century: a global approach 257
- Conclusion: building on the legacy of Peter Townsend 275
- Index 303
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures and tables vii
- Preface viii
- Notes on contributors ix
- The legacy of Peter Townsend 1
- The making of a pioneer researcher: reflections from Peter Townsend’s life story 29
- Peter Townsend, a man ahead of his time: re-reading The family life of old people and The last refuge 59
- The case for universal child benefit 79
- Poverty 91
- Social justice for children: investigating and eradicating child poverty 111
- For universalism and against the means test 133
- Underclass, overclass, ruling class, supernova class 153
- Addressing health inequalities: building on Peter Townsend’s legacy 175
- Towards a new sociology of ageing: from structured dependency to critical gerontology 193
- Disability: prospects for social inclusion 223
- Putting the lawyers in their place: the role of human rights in the struggle against poverty 241
- Radicalising social policy in the 21st century: a global approach 257
- Conclusion: building on the legacy of Peter Townsend 275
- Index 303
