Families Topic 4 - Social Policy Flashcards
What was the main goal of China’s one-child policy?
To discourage couples from having more than one child
This policy aimed at population control and was supervised by workplace family planning committees.
How do democratic societies generally view family life in relation to government intervention?
As a private sphere where the government does not intervene, except in cases like child abuse
Some sociologists argue that state policies still play a vital role in shaping family life.
What benefits do couples in China receive for complying with the one-child policy?
- Free healthcare
- Higher tax allowance
- Priority in education and housing
What policies did the former communist government in Romania implement to increase the birth rate?
- Restricted contraception and abortion
- Set up infertility treatment centres
- Made divorce more difficult
- Lowered the legal age of marriage to 15
- Increased taxes for unmarried and childless couples
What dual policy did the Nazi regime in Germany promote in the 1930s?
- Encouraged ‘racially pure’ individuals to breed
- Compulsory sterilization of disabled individuals
What is the functionalist perspective on state policies regarding family life?
They see policies as beneficial for all, helping families perform their functions better
Fletcher (1966) argued that policies like health, education, and housing have developed a welfare state that supports families.
What criticism do feminists have of the functionalist perspective on family policies?
It assumes all family members benefit equally and often benefits men at the expense of women.
According to Donzelot, how do policies affect families?
They create conflict and allow the state to exert power and control over families
Donzelot views professionals as agents of social control who surveil and regulate families.
What is the New Right’s view on the traditional nuclear family?
They believe it is the best for society and that it is self-reliant and capable of socializing children.
What social problems does the New Right associate with changes to family structures?
- Increased crime
- Welfare dependency
- Erosion of the traditional nuclear family
What are ‘perverse incentives’ according to Murray (1990)?
Welfare benefits that reward irresponsible behavior and undermine the nuclear family
Examples include fathers abandoning responsibilities because the state supports their children.
What is the New Right’s proposed solution to family-related issues?
- Cuts in welfare spending
- Tighter restrictions on benefits eligibility
- Policies supporting the traditional nuclear family
What criticisms do feminists have of New Right policies?
They attempt to return to a patriarchal nuclear family and ignore the policies that support families.
What were some of the policies introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government from 1979-1997?
- Banned promotion of homosexuality by local authorities
- Defined divorce as a social problem
- Emphasized support for children by both parents through the Child Support Agency
What similarities did New Labour (1997-2010) share with the New Right?
- Both viewed the family as the bedrock of society
- Both believed in parental responsibility for children
How did New Labour differ from the New Right in terms of family policy?
- Supported dual-earner families
- Introduced longer maternity leave for both parents
- Favored alternatives to the conventional nuclear family
What do Marxists believe about social policies and family life?
They believe policies protect privileged positions and further subordinate the working class.
What do feminists argue about the nature of social policies?
They maintain that policies reinforce women’s subordinate position in society.
What is the concept of ‘gender regimes’ as described by Drew?
It refers to how different societies either encourage or discourage gender equality in the family.
What are the two types of gender regimes identified by Drew?
- Familistic gender regimes
- Individualistic gender regimes
What is a familistic gender regime?
Policies based around the male breadwinner and female homemaker
An example is Greece, where there is little state welfare.
What is an individualistic gender regime?
Policies that treat husbands and wives equally in terms of responsibilities
An example is Sweden, where both partners are seen as equally responsible for domestic tasks.
How have EU countries been trending in terms of gender regimes?
Moving towards individualistic gender regimes, promoting greater equality.
What challenges do policies promoting gender equality face?
Conflicts about who should benefit and who should pay for welfare services.
