social policy and the family

Question 1

RONALD FLETCHER (functionalist) view on social policy

Answer 1

argues health, education and housing policies have led to the development of a welfare system that supports the family

Question 2

FOUCALT (marxist) view on social policy

Answer 2

• state controls the family and keeps it under constant surveillance through policies and laws
• these policies empower certain agencies / professionals such as doctors / social workers
• these are ‘experts’ who use their ‘expert knowledge’ to control/change families

Question 3

DONZELOT (marxist) view on social policy

Answer 3

• doctors, social workers, health visitors observe and monitor families
• poor families targeted as ‘needing improvement’
• state can control/regulate family life through the courts
• parents of young offenders may have to learn the ‘correct way’ to bring up children

Question 4

CHARLES MURRAY (new right) - welfare state / new right view on social policy

Answer 4

• says the rise in single parents is caused by an over-generous welfare state
• threatens the correct socialisation of children
• single parents cant discipline their sons
• sons lack a male role model / authority figure
• young men who see the state will provide won’t get jobs or take responsibility for their children

Question 5

DIANE LEONARD (feminist) view on social policies

Answer 5

• reinforce patriarchy and social control over women
• custody is given to women
• paternity leave is very short
• child benefit usually paid to women
• policies reinforce the idea that women are the ‘natural carer’ and children are the responsability of women