Higher Modern Studies SQA

This subject is broken down into 39 topics in 8 modules:

  1. Democracy in Scotland and the UK 6 topics
  2. Question Paper 1 7 topics
  3. Question Paper 2 3 topics
  4. Social issues in the UK 1: Social Inequailty 5 topics
  5. Social issues in the UK 2: Crime and the law 5 topics
  6. International Issues 1: World Powers 5 topics
  7. International Issues 2: World Issues 5 topics
  8. Paper 2 3 topics
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  • 8
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  • 39
    topics
  • 14,170
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Modern Studies

Democracy in Scotland and the UK

Alternatives for the goverance of Scotland

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Alternatives for the goverance of Scotland

Devolution

  • Devolution is the transfer of powers from a central government to regional or local authorities. In Scotland's case, devolution came into effect in 1999, when the Scottish Parliament was established.
  • The Scottish Parliament has powers to legislate on a broad range of issues such as health, education, housing, transport, and the environment, known as devolved matters.
  • Some matters, however, are retained by the UK Parliament at Westminster. These are called reserved matters, and they include foreign policy, defence, and constitutional matters.
  • Devolution has resulted in a greater public representation and accountability, but a common criticism is the complexity and duplication of governance it results in.

Independence

  • Independence would see Scotland breaking away from the United Kingdom to become a sovereign nation state.
  • This would grant Scotland full legal powers over all matters, both foreign and domestic, and allow the country to establish its own relationships internationally, including with the EU.
  • An important aspect of independence is the economic impact; the debate includes discussion on currency, tax revenue, public spending, and North Sea oil.
  • Critics of independence argue that it would entail considerable uncertainty and risk, including financial and economic instability.

Federalism

  • Federalism is a system where power is divided specifically between the central government and various regional or state authorities.
  • A federal UK would mean all four nations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) having self-governing powers while also sharing responsibility for certain functions such as defence or foreign affairs.
  • Advocates of federalism argue it could offer a solution to the constitutional debate by providing a formal structure that would balance powers and prevent dominance by any one nation.
  • The key challenge related to federalism in the UK context relates to England's size and population in relation to the other nations. Implementing English devolution or creating regions within England could possibly alleviate this problem.

Enhanced Devolution

  • Enhanced devolution ("devo-plus" or "devo-max") is another alternative for the governance of Scotland, where the Scottish Parliament would have greater powers than it currently does.
  • Devo-plus would see the devolution of additional powers over welfare and substantial taxation powers, whereas devo-max would mean the devolution of all powers except defence and foreign affairs.
  • Enhanced devolution would offer more freedom for Scotland to implement policies to address its needs better while still maintaining the advantages of being part of a larger state, such as shared defence and currency.
  • Critics, however, suggest that enhanced devolution could result in increased complexity, inequality, and tension between the different parts of the UK.

Course material for Modern Studies, module Democracy in Scotland and the UK, topic Alternatives for the goverance of Scotland

Modern Studies

Social issues in the UK 1: Social Inequailty

Reasons why income and wealth inequality exists

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Reasons why income and wealth inequality exists

The Nature of Employment

  • Incomes can vary greatly depending on the nature of the employment. Professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, or those in managerial positions often receive higher wages compared to those in lower-skilled manual or service sector jobs.
  • Part-time or temporary work often pays less than full-time or permanent work, contributing to income inequality.
  • Self-employment or business ownership can lead to great wealth but also comes with the risk of financial losses, adding to disparities in income and wealth.

Education and Skills

  • Higher educational attainment is typically linked to higher income and wealth, as it can lead to more specialised, highly-paid employment.
  • Those lacking relevant skills or qualifications may only be able to attain lower-wage jobs, thereby creating income and wealth gaps.
  • Access to quality education and opportunities for skill development can significantly influence income and wealth, with those from more affluent backgrounds often having a competitive edge.

Social Factors

  • Discrimination based on factors such as gender, race, disability, or age can perpetuate income and wealth disparity.
  • The cultural capital a person has (values, tastes, knowledge, etc.) can influence their economic situation. Those who understand the values and norms of higher-income groups are often more likely to enter these groups.
  • Inheritance and acquired wealth can be a significant factor in wealth inequality, as those born to wealthier families are likely to inherit more wealth.

Government Policies

  • Taxation and welfare policies can have a significant impact on income and wealth distribution. Progressive taxation and generous welfare benefits can help reduce inequality, while regressive taxation and limited welfare support can exacerbate it.
  • The strength of labour protections and minimum wage policies can influence income inequality. Weak protections and low minimum wages often allow for greater income disparity.
  • Governments may create or fail to rectify institutional structures which perpetuate income and wealth inequality.

Globalisation and Technological Change

  • Globalisation may increase competition for jobs and depress wages, especially for lower-skilled workers, leading to greater income inequality.
  • Technological advancements can lead to job automation, which often threatens lower-skilled jobs, thus widening the gap between low and high income earners.
  • Income disparity can also be caused by rapid economic changes linked to globalisation and technology, as those with adaptive skills and resources are more likely to prosper.

Course material for Modern Studies, module Social issues in the UK 1: Social Inequailty, topic Reasons why income and wealth inequality exists

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