Question 5 In lecture 2 (slide 3) it describes a limited safety net as being the “ambulance waiting at the bottom of the cliff”. What does this mean? Provide between 3 – 6 sentences to answer the question.

Student’s response

The phrase suggests that providing only a safety net for those who are unable to provide for themselves is inadequate and inefficient, similar to waiting until someone has fallen off a cliff before providing medical attention. Instead, some argue that a more comprehensive approach is necessary, one that provides not only emergency assistance but also preventative measures to avoid individuals from falling off the cliff in the first place. This comprehensive approach could include initiatives to reduce poverty, improve access to education and healthcare, and provide support services to vulnerable individuals and communities.