3.12 social policy

What is social policy?

• Government plans/actions designed to solve social problems or improve society.

Areas of social policy

• Education

• Welfare

• Healthcare

• Crime

• Housing

• Poverty

Relationship Between Sociology and Social Policy

Sociology influences policy

• Sociological research can identify social problems.

• Governments may use research to create policies.

Example

• Research on poverty influencing welfare policies.

Policy influences sociology

• Governments fund research into certain issues.

• Political priorities shape sociological focus.

Classical Views on Sociology and Social Policy

Social Democratic View

• Sociology should improve society.

• Research identifies problems and solutions.

• Governments should use evidence-based policy.

Strengths

• Policies can reduce inequality and poverty.

Criticisms

• Governments may ignore evidence for political reasons.

New Right View

• Too much welfare creates dependency.

• Sociology may encourage excessive state intervention.

Preferred solutions

• Individual responsibility

• Free market solutions

• Traditional family values

Criticisms

• Can blame individuals for structural problems.

Marxist View

• Social policy mainly benefits capitalism.

• Policies maintain ruling-class power.

Functions of policy

• Control the working class

• Reproduce labour force

• Prevent rebellion

Example

• Welfare keeps workers healthy enough to work.

Criticisms

• Some policies genuinely improve lives.

Feminist View

• Policies often reinforce patriarchy.

• Women may face inequality in policy outcomes.

Example

• Welfare policies assuming women are carers.

Radical feminists

• Believe only major social change can end patriarchy.

Postmodernist View

• Society is diverse.

• One policy cannot suit everyone.

• Policies should reflect individual differences.

Evaluation

Arguments FOR sociology influencing policy

• Research can:

  • identify social problems

  • test effectiveness of policies

  • improve people’s lives

Example

• Research into educational inequality influencing reforms.

Arguments AGAINST sociology strongly influencing policy

Governments may ignore evidence because of:

• ideology

• cost

• public opinion

• political interests

Example

• Black Report on health inequalities was largely ignored.

Contemporary Views - Third WayAssociated with:

• Anthony Giddens

• New Labour

Main ideas

• Combination of state support and individual responsibility.

• Evidence-based policy making.

Criticisms

• Policies may still reflect political ideology more than evidence.

Key Thinkers Mentioned

Quick Comparison of Perspectives on Social Policy