Evaluate the impact of changing social policies in two states, each chosen from a different region.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of changing social policies in two states, weighing up their importance or otherwise. The two states must be from different regions. The impact may extend beyond the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the two states or they may prioritize their evaluation of one of them. However, both states will be a feature of the response. There may be evaluation of the impact of educational policies, such as the abandonment of selection into secondary education, broadening access to tertiary education or improving primary provision. There may be evaluation of the impact of policies towards women and the family, including abortion, marital rights, childcare provision, and access to paid work. There may be evaluation of healthcare provision and welfare, and the effectiveness with which poverty was addressed. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of changing social policies in two states, each chosen from a different region. There were very few responses seen to this question.