Social Policy Ch. 5

Social Problems

Negatively & systematically affects a large group of people requiring a structural or systemic solution rather than a primarily personal solution

Social Conditions

How policy makers & the public view a situation determines if any social policy is developed

When does public concern lead to action?

- when voters ask for it

- when the problem reaches crisis proportions

- when it's a long standing issue that policy makers know about

- when resources are made to address the problem

Claims-making

The process of connecting the social problem and resulting social policy through

- Based on rights

- Based on power

- Based on social justice

Policy Goal

a statement of the desired human condition or social environment that is expected to result from implementation of the policy

Manifest Goals

publicly stated goals

Latent Goals

Goals that are not typically publicized because it would be difficult to achieve a consensus to support these goals, or the goals would not be considered socially acceptable

Framework for Analyzing Policy

- Policy Goals

- Benefits and Services

- Eligibility Rules

- Service Delivery Systems

- Financing

S

M

A

R

T

Goals

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Time-Bound

social constructional approach

our explanations of all human interactions (including social problems) are based on views of reality that are socially/personally constructed

Eligibility Rules

prior contributions, attachment to the workforce, means tests, judicial decisions (court-mandated services)
- means tests determine if someone meets the income and asset limits for a program