Sociology and Social Policy

The contribution of sociology to social policy

Sociologists in areas such as education, health, poverty and crime has had quite important effects on social policies of govts and often the govts will commission research. Also bodies which are specifically concerned with social policy research within which sociologists work - Giddens suggests a number of ways that sociology can help us in our lives. Sociologists can help with the following:

• provide evidence - collect data and see where there are gaps so can address social problems

• identifying unintended consequences - important role in reviewing the effect and impact on policies that that have been implemented - seeing if cri me prevention strategies just lead to displacement

• assessing the results - help govt understand if policy has met its met its aims - quality checking

Why is the relationship between sociology and social policy not straight forward?

process of policy formation involves far more than simply looking at the evidence - other factors which could affect whether or not sociology is able to influence social policy. These factors make sociology is a small contribution.

What are the factors that affect social policy more?

• electoral popularity - want to win votes - immigration w Farage

• ideological and policy preferences of govt - RR policies to crime and league tables in education - Child Support Agency 1993 under Thatcher

• interest groups - seek its influence policy of their own interests and get involved in politics eg Trump and Musk and big businesses

• globalisation - international policy groups eg IMF and UN

• critical sociology - marxism eg viewed as hostile and extreme so less likely to be taken seriously - crimes of powerful eg

• cost - not having possible funds so not feasible eg Black report looking at health inequalities was considered too costly to implement - reclassification of cannabis in 2008 despite showing bad effects

• funding sources - may ask for things to fit with their interests/to justify their actions eg govt advised to use think tanks who have political sympathies

Functionalist view on role of social policy and examples?

Soc show objective scientific problems. Causes for these things means they can be prevented through policy implementation meaning stability can be achieved - like a medical researcher. Issues are tackled one at a time. Examples include underachievement in certain pupils, found that is due to wider societal issues so need to change structure perhaps

Marxist view on role of social policy and examples?

Social policy doesn’t benefit everyone as it is also a part of the ISA/ruling class. Sociologists should use research to criticise structures and that they shouldn’t support harmful policies. For example the welfare state makes everything look fair but it does nothing to change things structurally and NHS keep workers fit.

New Right view on role of social policy and examples?

Policy has created perverse incentives (wrong types of behaviour and attitudes as rewarding it) → social policies should be stripped back to restore self sufficiency eg relying on welfare state instead of a job. Divorce leading to deviant family types eg lone parent.

Feminism view on role of social policy and examples?

Lots of policies reinforce both the patriarchy and women’s subordination = perpetuating stereotypes - govt assumes family as nuclear. But liberal feminism and their march of progress view are more optimistic and see how it can lead to social change eg shared parental leave and equal pay act and child benefit mostly given to mother

Social Democratic Perspective view on role of social policy and examples?

Similar to functionalism but more radical - humanising capitalism through state intervention aiming for social justice equity and robust welfare state - redistribution of wealth. Sociology should be involved in identifying problems but also should guide the solutions - provide empirical evidence to inform policy reducing inequality and improving welfare - eg Townsend = inc benefits level and funding as a result of researching problems with poverty.