Reasons why the Government might not change policy

Electoral popularity

Research might point to a policy that is unpopular with voters

Ideological and policy preferences of government

If researcher’s value stance is similar to the government’s ideology, they have more of a chance of influencing

Interest groups

Pressure groups that seek to influence government policies in their own interests

Globalisation

International organisations may influence social policy of individual governments

Critical sociology

Sociologists who are critical of the state are unlikely to influence policy

Cost

Insufficient funds