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New Labour, 1997 - 2007: Social issues - Coggle Diagram
New Labour, 1997 - 2007: Social issues
Women
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Critics argued New Labour's emphasis on employment undervalued the unpaid work of women in the home.
Blair appointed women to prominent positions In his cabinet, such as Margaret Beckett as foreign secretary in 2006.
2007, report found women still did 3x the amount of housework as men.
1997, the number of women elected as MPs rose to 120
Childcare provisions were extended + women were given pensions credits when unable to work due to caring responsibilities.
Workers
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Despite, expectations that Labour wold be highly sympathetic to trade unions, the decline of TU that begun in the 80s continued.
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Opted back into the Social Chapter - so Britain now follow European policies regarding employment + social rights, e.g. all employee entitles to 3months unpaid parental leave. However, the gov opted out of some employment legislation, such as max working hours.
Welcomed globalisation as an opportunity for economic growth - new efficiency increased productivity.
The New Deal programme helped young ppl, older workers, the disabled, single parents gain work experience or a subsidised job placement - critics argued tis support was limited + the sanctions imposed if ppl didn't accept the support were counter-productive.
1998, introduced the National Minimum Wage - although initially set at a rlly low rate.
Brown: introduced tax credits, benefits for ppl with low incomes, targeted at those with children or a disability.
Youth
Sure Start centres set up - helped families by providing info to ensure preschool children were ready for school.
1999, Blair pledged to end child poverty in 20 yrs - polices such as child tax credit decreased it by a 1/4 by 2005.
1997, Social Exclusion Unit set up
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Aimed for 50% of young ppl to go to Uni, to produce highly skilled workforce.
No. of 16-45 yr old not in education, employment or training increased by 20% by 2007.
Fears over youth crime led to the Antisocial Behaviour Order - could impose curfews etc on a defendant - aimed to prevent graffiti, vandalism and intimidation.
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Multicultral society
Local govs launched initiatives to celebrate cultural background, like the Notting Hill Carnival - attracted millions.
2005, London successfully bid to hold the 2012 Olympics with multiculturalism being a key selling point.
2002, first black cabinet minister appointed
2001, BBC Chairman acknowledged the BBC was 'hideously white' and dint do enough to attract ppl form ethnic minorities.
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2005, terrorist attack: 52 ppl killed by 4 suicide bombers on the tubes and a bus. This highlighted many ethic groups were alienated in Britain's society and culture.
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2006, National Identity Card Act - highly controversial, Labour argued identity cards were needed to fight terrorism.
2006, Terrorist Act: increased the mount of time a suspect could be held without charge to 28 days - but the gov wanted 90 days.
Some media like the Daily Mail associated migrants with criminal behaviour and taking jobs away form local ppl.