Social Policies and Their Domains

SOC Final Exam

What are social policies?

Social policies are public policies aimed at improving individuals’ well-being by addressing needs related to income, caregiving, housing, education, health, and inclusion. They reflect societal values, power structures, and historical contexts.

What is the policy focus of Early Childhood Education & Care (ECEC)?

To support subsidies, access, affordability, and quality of non-parental child care.

What are common issues with ECEC in the U.S.?

• Limited access due to high cost and waitlists

• Low quality in some care types

• Focus is often on parental employment, not child development

What are examples of ECEC policies?

• Childcare vouchers

• Head Start / Early Head Start

• Tax credits for child care (largely non-refundable)

What does the Family and Medical Leave domain focus on?

Providing job protection for workers during times of caregiving or health-related needs.

What federal law provides family and medical leave?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993.

What are the limitations of FMLA?

• Only provides 12 weeks unpaid leave

• Only about 60% of workers are eligible

• Leaves out many private sector and part-time workers

How do other countries compare in family leave?

Other countries offer longer, paid, and universal leave, often funded through social insurance.

What is the caregiving and gender equity policy domain concerned with?

Supporting unpaid caregiving, especially the disproportionate burden on women.

What problems arise due to the lack of caregiving support in U.S. policy?

• Wage losses

• Early retirement

• Increased poverty risk, especially for women

What policy gaps exist?

• No federal support for informal caregiving

• Lack of workplace flexibility and paid leave

How does tax policy function as a social policy?

By using tax expenditures (credits, deductions, etc.) to incentivize behaviors or support specific groups.

What are major examples of tax expenditures?

• Mortgage interest deduction (benefits homeowners)

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income workers

What is an equity concern with tax expenditures?

Most tax breaks disproportionately benefit higher-income households.

What are the key issues in U.S. housing policy?

• Affordability crisis (rising “worst case needs”)

• Subsidy imbalance (homeownership > rentals)

• Racial segregation caused by federal and local policies

How does housing affect other areas of life?

It impacts education, access to services, wealth accumulation, and neighborhood stability.

Why is racial and demographic policy a social policy domain?

It addresses equity, civil rights, and inclusion, often through Census data and legal protections.

What historical examples show how race classification has shaped rights?

• One-drop rule

• Thind case (1923)

• Segregation policies and redlining

What does the Census influence in public policy?

Funding and enforcement in education, health care, voting rights, and housing.

What is the focus of retirement and health policy?

Ensuring income and health security for seniors.

What major programs support retirement and health for the elderly?

• Social Security (income)

• Medicare (health care)

What impact have these programs had?

• Reduced poverty among seniors

• Lower burden on families for eldercare

How does support for children compare to seniors?

There is less universal support for children and caregiving, and child poverty remains higher.