Social Policy

Fletcher

 

Development of welfare state supports families in providing functions more effectively.

 

Donzelot

 

Policy= state power + control on families.

 

Condry

 

State seek control through compulsory parenting orders.

 

Almond

 

State policies that promote change undermine nuclear family e.g. making divorce easier and legalisation of gay marriage.

 

Murray

 

Welfare gives perverse incentives + crates dependency culture.

 

Conservative gov

 

Section 28, emphasises responsibility, divorce easier

New labour gov

 

Heterosexual= best for raising children. Introduction of parenting orders for delinquent children.

 

Coalition gov

 

Austerity policy= cutting public spending.

 

Land

 

Policies assume nuclear family= ideal. State gives incentive to married couples which promotes nuclear. Policy makes it difficult to live in other arrangements

 

Leonard

 

Policies reinforce patriarchal family + act and social control over women. Policies perpetuate patriarchy e.g. assuming men are primary providers.

 

Divorce Reform Act 1969

 

Women could instigate divorce and escape abuse.        Undermines nuclear family. Resulting in stepfamilies

Adoption Act 2005

 

Increase in same-sex couples with children. Increased diversity. Undermines traditional gender roles.

 

Civil Partnership Act 2004

 

Recognised gay relationships. Undermines nuclear family and gender roles.

 

Paternity Act 2015

 

Equality between men and women. Increase in stay at home fathers. Undermines traditional gender roles

2 Child Tax Credit Policy 2017

 

No extra benefits after 2nd child. Decline in perverse incentive for benefit.

 

Marriage Age Raised- 16 to 18

 

Reduction in forced teen marriages .  Extends childhood + prevents abuse of children.

 

15 hours free childcare from 9 months

 

Women will be able to return to work. Undermines      traditional gender roles. Promotes a symmetrical family