The influence of sociology on policy Flashcards
What are the 6 factors affecting potential impact of sociological research on social policy? How does each affect social policy?
Electoral popularity- research findings and recommendations might point to a policy that would be unpopular with voters
Interest groups- pressure groups that seek to influence government policies in their own interests’. For example, businesses asking not to have the minimum wage increased although this may reduce poverty.
Globalisation- social policy isn’t just made by nations states in isolation but international organisations such as EU and INF may influence social policies of individual government.
Critical sociology- sociologists (e.g., Marxists) who are critics of the state and powerful groups may be regarded as too extreme and therefore unlikely to influence social policy.
Cost- although the government may be understanding to sociological findings, they may not have the money to implement an appropriate policy r may have other spending priorities.
Founding sources- politicians seeking a particular result to justify their favoured policies can be selective in which “think tanks” (sociologists who share their assumptions and findings) they turn to for research.
