4.2 Flashcards
AC 4.2: Explain how social changes affect policy development.
Social change 1: Homosexuality
Was a criminal offence in England and Wales. Society’s view started to change in the 20* century and people began to hold more tolerant views.
Resulted in change to government policy and the law.
- - after the Wolfenden Committee’s report 1975, which considered evidence from the police, psychiatrists, religious leaders and the gay community, homosexuality was decriminalised by the sexual offence act 1967.
Civil marriages were permitted in 2004. First same sex marriage under the marriage (same sex couple) act 2013.
- Social change for homosexuality has been influenced by the rise of individualism as a central value within our culture- the belief that the individual has the right to choose how to live their life as long as they are not harming others
- Secularisation has also been a factor- decline of religion.
As these policies have become more common in public, they have been reflected by those who represent the public and by changing laws.
Social change 2: Smoking
- Used to be widely accepted and in 1950s doctors used to give patients cigs to calm their nerves.
- Under the Health Act 2006 smoking in workplaces and enclosed public spaces was made illegal.
- 2015, smoking in vehicles with anyone under the age of 18 was made illegal.
- Knowledge has increased over the health problems induced with smoking therefore leading to much stricter laws regarding smoking.
- Campaigns against the smoking of cigs has also resulted in numerous legislation being implemented. E.g. tobacco advertising and promotion act
2002- banned all tobacco promotions such as adverts.
Social change 3: Women’s Rights
Women had very few legal and political rights in the beginning of the 20th century.
- Stereotyped as stay at home moms. Unmarries women were often employed in service such as teaching, waitressing or cooking.
- Suffragette movement fought for the right to vote, women rebelled against marriage, seeking education and equality.
- Society slowly changed its view about women. 1928 women were given the right to vote.
