Simple family and social policy Flashcards

1
Q

How do functionalists view social policies?

A

Functionalists believe social policies help families perform their functions better, like policies in health and education that help families meet their needs.

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2
Q

What does Fletcher (1996) argue about social policy?

A

Fletcher argues that policies in health, education, and housing since the Industrial Revolution have developed the welfare state, which helps families care for sick members and meet other needs.

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3
Q

What are two criticisms of the functionalist view on social policy?

A
  1. Functionalists assume that all members of the family benefit equally from social policies.
  2. Feminists argue that policies mainly benefit men, and Marxists argue that policies, like welfare cuts, can harm families.
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4
Q

What is Donzelot’s (1997) view of social policy?

A

Donzelot sees social policies as a form of state control over families. He argues that professionals (e.g., social workers, doctors) use their power to monitor and change family life.

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5
Q

Why is surveillance not equally targeted on all social classes?

A

Poor families are more likely to be seen as “problem families” and are more heavily monitored by state professionals.

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6
Q

How does Condry (2007) argue the state controls family life?

A

Condry says the state controls families by enforcing compulsory parenting orders, requiring parents of troubled children to attend parenting classes.

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7
Q

What are criticisms of Donzelot’s view?

A
  1. Marxists argue Donzelot doesn’t identify who benefits from social policies.
  2. Feminists say Donzelot’s view mainly benefits men by reinforcing patriarchal structures.
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8
Q

What is the New Right view on the family?

A

The New Right values the nuclear family and believes it’s essential for child-rearing and societal stability.

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9
Q

What do the New Right think is threatening the nuclear family?

A

The rise in family diversity (e.g., divorce, cohabitation, same-sex partnerships) is seen as undermining the traditional family structure, leading to increased crime and welfare dependency.

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10
Q

What are some policies that the New Right argue undermine the nuclear family?

A

Examples include the Divorce Reform Act (1969), Civil Partnerships Act (2004), and the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act (2014), which the New Right argue weaken traditional family structures.

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11
Q

What is Murray’s criticism of welfare policies?

A

Murray argues that generous welfare benefits (e.g., council housing for unmarried teenagers, cash for lone parents) create perverse incentives, encouraging irresponsible behavior and undermining the traditional family.

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12
Q

How did New Labour support dual-earner families?

A

New Labour introduced policies such as longer maternity leave and the Working Families Tax Credit to help parents balance work and childcare.

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13
Q

How did New Labour support family diversity?

A

New Labour promoted policies such as civil partnerships for same-sex couples and gave unmarried couples the same adoption rights as married couples.

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14
Q

What is the feminist view on social policies?

A

Feminists argue that social policies reinforce women’s subordinate position in the family and society, supporting the traditional gender division of labor.

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15
Q

What is Land’s (1978) view on social policies?

A

Land argues that many policies assume the ideal family is a patriarchal nuclear family with a male provider and female homemaker, reinforcing gender inequality.

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16
Q

How do feminists argue that policies reinforce a certain family type?

A

Policies, like tax incentives for married couples, encourage marriage over cohabitation and support traditional gender roles, limiting women’s economic independence.

17
Q

What are some examples of policies that reinforce the patriarchal nuclear family?

A
  1. Tax/Benefits policies assume men are the main earners and women are financially dependent.
  2. Childcare policies are not sufficient, which limits women’s ability to work full-time.
  3. Care for elderly/sick policies often leave women with the responsibility, restricting their career opportunities.
18
Q

What are criticisms of the feminist view on social policy?

A

Some argue that not all policies are aimed at maintaining patriarchy, pointing to positive changes like equal pay laws and the right to marry for same-sex couples.

19
Q

What are gender regimes according to Drew (1995)?

A

Gender regimes refer to how social policies in different countries either encourage or discourage gender equality in family and work life.

20
Q

What are the two types of gender regimes?

A
  1. Familistic Gender Regimes: Policies that support traditional gender roles (male breadwinner, female homemaker).
  2. Individualistic Gender Regimes: Policies that promote gender equality, such as equal parental leave and equal opportunities policies.