Reasons for change - Britain since c.1900
In the 20th and 21st centuries, new health problems, as well as solutions, have emerged. This case study examines the reasons for further changes - both positive and negative - after 1900.
Reasons for changes in public health
Summary of the people’s health since c.1900
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| Welfare state |
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| Air pollution |
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| Food, diet and lifestyle |
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| Housing | |
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| By c.2000 |
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| Welfare state | |
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| Air pollution | |
| By c.1950 |
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| By c.2000 |
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| Food, diet and lifestyle | |
| By c.1950 |
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| By c.2000 |
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Question
Why have new public health problems emerged in Britain since c.1900?
- Technology - People’s lives are now less active, partly as a result of using devices such as televisions, game consoles and tablets for entertainment. Housework is less physical as most people now have washing machines, vacuum cleaners and power tools.
- Lifestyle and work - Busy lives have meant more people rely on ready-made meals or convenience food. These processed dishes are not very healthy because they have lots of additives so that they last longer. More jobs are carried out by sitting at desks in front of screens and fewer jobs involve manual labour. This also contributes to a more sedentary lifestyle for many people.
- Wealth - As much of Britain’s population became wealthier, more people travelled by train, tram and car rather than on foot. They also spent more money on sugary and fatty foods. The technology outlined above, such as televisions and labour-saving devices for the home, has become a lot more affordable. Car ownership increased by around 25 per cent between 1980 and 1990, leading to more health problems caused by exhaust fumes.
Question
Why have there been improvements in public health in Britain since c.1900?
- War - During World War Two, rationing improved people’s diet because they were encouraged to keep animals and grow their own food. Additionally, things like sugar and butter were rationed.This meant diets were generally healthier and more balanced. People were also more active as petrol was rationed and people worked longer hours. Additionally, extensive bombing during the war led to further slum clearance and the building of more new homes.
- National government - As time went on, people became more accepting of government having a bigger role in their lives. This was especially the case after the publication of the Beveridge Report in 1942. Since then, governments have taken extensive national action to improve public health. The most significant example is the introduction of a comprehensive welfare state and the National Health Service (NHS) after 1945.
- Scientific understanding - Governments took extensive action on smoking after firm scientific evidence emerged of the link between smoking and lung cancer in 1962. For example, they banned cigarette advertising, introduced plain packaging and banned people from smoking in public places.
