Theoretical perspectives on family policy Flashcards
What is the feminist perspective on family policy?
The state reinforces patriarchal control through introducing policies that are aimed at women in the role of primary carer.
- e.g. child benefit paid to mothers initially
What do Liberal feminists argue about social policy?
They suggest that state policy can be used to change the role of women in society.
- e.g. equal pay act, divorce reform and legalisation of abortion
What is the Marxist perspective on family policy?
Critical on the role of the state in the creation of
social policy
- suggesting that they are designed to serve the needs of the elites in society.
- State policy is based upon ruling class ideologies and those that do not conform face sanctions
What does Donzelot suggest about the states impact on family?
State can effectively ‘police the family’ - Intervening when they believe that the family is not socialising children correctly.
What was Parsons functionalist perspective on social policy?
He advocated reinforcing the nuclear family through social policies - e.g tax incentives for married people.
However…
Functionalists also suggest limited state involvement in the running of the family - not necessary for society to function correctly.