Sociology: Social policies (Unit 2) Flashcards
What is functionalist’s view on social policies?
They believe that it benefits society as it helps families to function more effectively. (WBT and socialism), Also see the state as acting in the interests of society.
For example introduction of health, education and housing policies supports families in performing its functions more effectively.
Examples:
-NHS
-Maternity leave
-Child care act 2006
Evaluation of the functionalist view of social policy AO3:
Feminists argue that policies often benefit men more than women. E.g. Tax breaks for married couples favoured the NF where men are supposed to be the “breadwinner” and women being the house wives.
Marxist criticise the fact that polices makes life better for everyone for example there are policies which cut benefits which reduces help and support from the govt.
What is the New right’s view on social policies?
They strongly dislike it as they believe it “undermines” the nuclear family. Also don’t like it due to the dependency culture and underclass. They don’t like benefits as it encourage lone-parents and people becoming welfare dependent.
Examples of policies they don’t like:
-Divorce reform act 1969 (made divorce accessible and it allowed women to divorce)
-Legalisation of same sex marriage 2014
-Civil Partnership Act 2005 (allowed same-sex relationships to be legally recognised)
Evaluation of the New right view on social policy AO3:
Cutting benefits may simply drive many into poverty, leading to further social problems.
Feminists argue that the new right policies are an attempt to return the NF.
What is the Marxist view on social policy ?
laws and policies are all instruments of the Ruling Class & therefore benefit the R/C whilst exploiting the W/C and that they are heavily biased in the R/C favour.
Policies such as health care and education are just from the R/C to prevent the W/C from rebelling.
Examples of policies they don’t like:
-Child care act 2006 ( meant that parents could go to work sooner and make more money for the bourgeoise.
Evaluation of the Marxist view on social policy AO3:
Functionalists would criticize Marxists and state that social policies ARE beneficial and do benefit everyone.
Education and healthcare policies help everyone in society.
What is Liberal feminist’s view on social policies?
Argue that the changes are sufficient to bring about gender equality. Sommerville also said that pragmatism is the way forward.
Examples of policies they like:
-Divorce reform act (gave women the right to divorce)
-Equal Pay Act 1972
-generous maternity cover and pay made
it easier for women to have children and then return to work.
-Sure start centres (provided child care)
-Sex Discrimination Act
-Shared paternity leave
-Child care act 2006
Evaluation of Liberal feminist view on social policy AO3:
Radical feminists would argue that:
-Gender roles still exist.
-Patriarchy still constrains women.
-Social policies help to reassert these facts.
E.g. Childcare is not enough and school holidays (who’s supposed to look after children during school holidays)
What is Radical feminist’s view on social policies?
A radical feminist would not like it as it only benefits the man, reinforces gender roles and it is still patriarchal.
Examples of policies they don’t like:
-2015 tax break for married couples (Favoured the nuclear family)
-Child care is not always enough for parents to work full time. Women will have to stay home.
-Austerity policies (reduced govt spending and cut sure start centres which meant that women had to look after their children more)
Evaluation of Radical feminist view on social policy AO3:
Lib fem would argue that many policies have supported women and has reduced gender inequality by a significant amount.
-Divorce reform act 1969 allowed women to divorce.
-Equal pay act 1972
-Shared paternity leave and generous maternity cover and pay .
-Child care act 2006
