4.2

Question 1

Explain how Social Changes Affect Policy Development (Homosexuality)

Answer 1

Homosexuality was once criminalized in England and Wales, but changing societal views led to its decriminalization.

The Sexual Offences Act 1967 decriminalized homosexuality, setting the age of consent at 21.

The age of consent was lowered to 18 in 1994 and finally to 16 in 2000.

Civil partnerships were allowed in 2004, and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2013 under the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act.

Social changes were influenced by individualism and secularisation, reducing religious opposition to homosexuality.
As public acceptance grew, policies reflected these shifts in societal attitudes.

Question 2

Explain how Social Changes Affect Policy Development (Smoking)

Answer 2

In the 1930s, smoking was a social norm and was widely accepted, even by doctors.

As research in the 1950s linked smoking to lung cancer, public health concerns grew, changing societal attitudes.

This change led to restrictive legislation to protect public health.

The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 banned tobacco ads and promotions.

The Health Act 2006 prohibited smoking in enclosed public spaces.

The Children and Families Act 2014 made smoking in vehicles with children illegal.

Smoking restrictions reflect growing awareness of health risks and the shift in public opinion.

Question 3

Explain how Social Changes Affect Policy Development (Women’s Rights)

Answer 3

At the start of the 20th century, women had limited legal rights and were primarily homemakers.

The Suffragette movement led to women gaining the right to vote in 1928.

During WWII, women filled roles traditionally held by men, changing societal views on women’s work.

The Women’s Liberation movement in the 1960s pushed for policies on education, employment, and equality.

The Equal Pay Act 1970 made gender-based pay inequality illegal.

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 prohibited discrimination against women in education, work, and training.

These policies reflect the shift towards gender equality and the recognition of women’s rights in society.