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Santa Claus versus the five giants

Article Abstract:

The original conception of a public welfare program to aid the poor was linked with hopes for little or no unemployment. The UK welfare state evolved from the 1942 Beveridge report but Beveridge himself did not like the term 'welfare state' because he said it had 'the Santa Claus image,' suggesting rights without duties. The original legislation aimed to defeat 'five giants:' want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness. Full employment was considered absolutely necessary to maximise the money coming into the central fund and to minimise that going out. There was therefore very great commitment to full employment.

History, Welfare state

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Throwing a spanner in the text. (cultural studies)

Article Abstract:

A physicist, concerned with the apparent decline in the standards of academic humanities sent a parody article to a leading American journal of cultural studies, which was ultimately published. He believes that there is a proliferation of sloppy thinking which denies the existence of objective realities. Such attitudes come under the postmodernism, poststructuralism and social constructivism banner, and the acceptance of the article emplifies the intellectual arrogance of Theory.

Analysis, Humanities

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Spanner in the works

Article Abstract:

Both the National Economic Development Council and the National Economic Development Office are to close in 1992. Analysts see this as an opportunity to re-think industrial policy, and the work of other policy units. Information on trade and industry is needed on an international basis as well as UK business performance. Impartial funding is also seen as necessary.

Research, Industrial development, Industrialization

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