Social Policy

Question 1

Social Policy definition

Answer 1

guidelines, principles, legislation and activities that affect the living conditions conducive to human welfare.

Question 2

4 functionalist ideas about social policy

Answer 2

Society is based on value consensus
State acts in the interest of society’s
It’s policies benefit everyone
Policies aid the performance of society’s functions

Question 3

March of Progress stance on social policy

Answer 3

Policies gradually improve quality of life i.e. the welfare state enables families to look after members better.

Question 4

5 new right ideas about social policy

Answer 4

Opposes state intervention in family life
Nuclear family is ‘natural’ by biological division of roles
Families should be self reliant, a result of adequate socialisation
Family diversity i.e. lone/same sex parents are damaging to children
Problems are the result of over generous welfare which lead to state dependency

Question 5

Murray (New Right)

Answer 5

Benefits create ‘perverse incentives’ not to work or be responsible.
The Solution: Reduce welfare dependency.

Question 6

New Labour approach to social policy

Answer 6

Supportive of family diversity

Policies can improve family life, i.e. benefits for the poorest in society.

Question 7

5 examples of new labour policy

Answer 7

New Deal scheme: Help people find employment to reduce welfare dependency
Changing adoption laws, helps family diversity
The Working Family tax credits: Make every working family better off than they would be if they were claiming benefits
Childcare schemes: SureStart
Raised child benefits

Question 8

Evaluation of sure start policy

Answer 8

HOWEVER many of these have now been cut.

Question 9

4 Feminist ideas about social policy

Answer 9

Social policy is to benefit men
It maintains patriarchy
Assumes patriarchy is the norm
Based on assumptions of ‘normal’ family life

Question 10

Leonard (feminist)

Answer 10

Even if policies are seen to benefit women they are actually reinforcing patriarchal values.
Example: Maternity and paternity leave- 2013 leave can be shared between parents
Child benefit is paid to mother in most cases.

Question 11

Evaluation of feminist approach to social policy

Answer 11

Equal pay and sex discrimination laws
Refuges for women
Equal rights to divorce

Question 12

3 marxist ideas about social policy

Answer 12

Family policy maintains bourgeoisie ideology
It oppresses the proletariat
Any family social policy seems to benefit the proletariat had been battled for

Question 13

1945

Answer 13

Creation of the Welfare State

Question 14

1967

Answer 14

Abortion Act

Sexual Offences Act

Question 15

1969

Answer 15

Divorce Law Reform Act

Question 16

1970

Answer 16

Equal pay act

Question 17

1975

Answer 17

sex discrimination act

Question 18

Thatcher/Major conservative government

Answer 18

1979-1997

Question 19

Blair/Brown New Labour Government

Answer 19

1997-2010

Question 20

Cameron/Clegg Coalition Government

Answer 20

2010-2015

Question 21

4 Thatcher/Major conservative government policies

Answer 21

1984: Matrimonial Proceedings Act – divorce permitted after one year
1988: Cohabiting couples to pay more tax than married couples
1991: Child Support Act – created the Child Support Agency
1996: Family Law Act – mediation encouraged as part of divorce process

Question 22

3 Blair/Brown New Labour Government policies

Answer 22

1999: Working Families Tax Credits 2004 Civil Partnership Act
2004: Civil Partnership Act.
2006: Children and Adoption Act

Question 23

5 Cameron/Clegg Coalition Government policies

Answer 23

2011: All divorcing couples must have mediation
2013: Child benefit abolished for those on over £60k p/a (benefits cap)
2013: Same Sex Marriage Act
Spare Bedroom Tax
Child benefit abolished for households earning over £60k
2014: Children and Families Act – flexible maternity/paternity leave
2014: Married couples tax allowance (£200 p/a per couple)