Train-spotting Context

What was the Poll Tax and why was it introduced into Scotland first?

The poll tax was a fixed tax per adult resident, it was introduced to replace the domestic rates in Scotland in 1989. It provided for a single-flat rate per person on every adult at a rate set by the local authority. 

Why was the Thatcher government so unpopular in Scotland?
She was so unpopular because her economic policies damaged and destroyed Scottish industries such as coal mine, steel working and ship building without the interest of replacing jobs or helping the unemployed. She was also unpopular as she used Scotland as a guinea pig for the new tax system for a year, rising the tax before introducing it to Scotland or England. 

How does the film reflect the social conditions of the day?
It shows how these sort of people had to suffer due to the new taxing system and how it made young Scottish people rose up to rebellion against the government, as they did not agree to being tested upon. 

What are the conventions of social realism?
Social realism is a film genre which focusses on showing the audience what true life is like. It uses more low budget type feel and non professional actors with a range of location shots and realistic imagery, and explores wider social issues through the emotional and dramatic individual stories. it is all very real. 

What kind of political ideologies are most associated with this style of film making?
The underclass is often exposed in these softs of films, focussing on the communist/socialist societies. 

What is Hyperrealism? 
Realism in art characterised by depiction of real life or a striking manner. Taking real life and pushing it further - the worst toilet in Scotland.