Sociology and social policy

Question 1

The influence of sociology on policy

Answer 1

• Electoral popularity: policy may not be popular with voters.
• Ideological and policy preferences: more likely to follow advice from sociologists whose perspective is similar to the government.
• Cost: some policies might be expensive, especially in the short term, e.g. ‘Sure Start’

Question 2

Positivism and functionalism

Answer 2

• Functionalists see themselves as scientists discovering social facts.
• Sociologists should provide objective, scientific information for the government to base policies on.

Question 3

Feminism

Answer 3

• Society is patriarchal, so the state reproduces women’s subordination through its social policies.
• E.g. the state gives tax breaks to married couples but not cohabiting ones.
  (Drew)

Question 4

Drew - feminist - gender regimes

Answer 4

• Some countries have :
• Familistic gender regimes - patriarchal
• Individualistic gender regimes - support diverse families, e.g. Finland and Scotland with baby boxes.

Question 5

The New Right

Answer 5

• They do not like policies, they think that it creates a dependency culture.
• By providing benefits to those in poverty, it breaks down the traditional nuclear family, increases crime, etc… (Murray)
• The New Right argues that most people would choose to live in a nuclear family, but government policies encourage divorce, gay marriage, etc…
• We need to cut benefits.