Example social policy dissertation topic 5:

Alienation of the tax-payers: The dangers of ostracising the middle classes through selectivity.

This dissertation advances the hypothesis that by changing the nature of the distribution of welfare benefits (as can be noted, for example, in the income cap being introduced to Child Benefit from January 2013) from one of universality to selectivity, the state risks, in the medium term, alienating those who presently contribute the majority of tax to pay for such benefits. Though recognising the need for redistribution, this dissertation suggests that as the middle class becomes increasingly financially squeezed and the burden of taxation continues to fall upon them disproportionately, there is a need for government to ensure that this class still feels that they receive ‘something in return’. Accordingly it evaluates the proposals for the removal of universality from Child Benefit and asks whether this is a ‘cut too far’.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Atkinson, A.B. (2012). ‘Public economic after The Idea of Justice’, Journal of Human Development and Capabilities: A Multi-Disciplinary Journal for People-Centered Development, 25th July 2012.
• Glennerster, H. (2006). ‘Tibor Barna: The redistributive impact of taxes and social policies in the UK: 1937-2005’, London School of Economics Research Paper No. CASE115.
• Spicker, P. (2008). Social policy: Themes and approaches. Bristol: Policy Press.