Social Policy Flashcards
What is a social policy?
A plan or action of government agencies to improve or reform society
What did Burden say about social policy?
Social policy cannot be understood if it is treated like a neutral political debate.
What influences whether policy will become law?
- Electoral popularity
- Political ideology of the government
- Critical sociology
- Funding sources
- Cost
- Interest groups
- Globalisation
How does electoral popularity affect policy?
Research findings and recommendations might point to policy that would be unpopular amongst voters
How does political ideology of the government impact policy?
If the researcher’s value stance or perspective is similar to political identity it is more likely to influence policy
How does critical sociology impact policy?
Sociologists who are critical of the state and powerful groups may be regarded too extreme and less likely to influence policy
How do funding sources affect policy?
Sociologists can tone down findings to fit in with paymaster’s wishes
How does cost affect policy?
Even if a sociologist proposes a good idea the government might not have the money to implement it
How do interest groups affect policy?
Pressure from groups with a particular interest can affect both research and implementation of policies
How does globalisation affect policy?
Globalisation means policies don’t only affect a single nation, EU has to vet UK policies before passing them
