Theoretical Perspectives on Family Policy

Question 1

Theoretical Perspectives on Family Policy

Answer 1

• Part of a bigger debate in sociology as to whether or not sociology should not be used to inform social policy
• Ideological concerns over use of social policy to control population and reinforce inequalities in society
• Political approaches to family policy - from Conservative government through New Labour to current government

Question 2

Functionalist perspectives on family policy

Answer 2

• Functionalists such as Parsons, advocated reinforcing the nuclear family through social policies, such as tax incentives for married
• However functionalists also suggest limited state involvement in the running of the family - this is not necessary if society is functioning correctly
• Traditional values are in opposition to some of the more progressive policies of recent years - such as same sex marriage

Question 3

Feminist perspectives on family policy

Answer 3

• The state reinforces patriarchal control through introducing policies that are aimed at women in the role of primary career - Child benefit paid to mothers initially
• Liberal feminists however would suggest that state policy can be used to change the role of women in society - Equal pay act
• State policy has helped women in need when leaving violent partners and provided support through benefits to tackle child poverty

Question 4

Marxist perspectives on family policy

Answer 4

• Critical of the role of the state in creating social policy, suggesting that they are designed to serve the needs of the elites in society - e.g. childcare policies will enable more people to work
• State can effectively police the family according to Donzelot, by intervening where they believe that the family is not socialising children correctly

Question 5

Conservative Family policies 1979-1997

Answer 5

-The Child support Agency 1993 - established to ensure absent fathers paid maintenance for the upbringing of their children
- Section 28 - The government introduced a rule, in 1988 that prevented local government from promoting homosexuality and included the provision that schools could not teach “the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”
- Back to basics

Question 6

New Labour family polices 1997-2010

Answer 6

• Working family and child tax credits
• Paid paternity leave
• Civil Partnership leave (2005)
• Adoption and Children’s Act (2002)
• Equal age of consent for same sex relationships
• Repeal of Section 28 2003
• Sure start and Education Maintenance allowance