THEORIES- SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL POLICY Flashcards
What is social policy?
Social policy encompasses government reforms, programs, or laws designed to address social problems and ensure the population’s welfare.
What did Marshall say about social policy?
Marshall emphasized that social policy includes government actions directly impacting citizens’ lives by providing services like education, health, and social security.
How do sociologists contribute to social policy?
Sociologists aim to address social problems through research, proposing actionable policies for the government. Many work directly with government departments, influencing policies like crime reduction.
What is the difference between social and sociological problems?
Social problem: Behaviors causing public concern or private misery, prompting collective action (e.g., poverty).
Sociological problem: Any behavior needing explanation, whether or not it’s widely regarded as problematic (e.g., law-abiding citizens).
Why might some sociologists not focus on solving social problems?
Some aim to discover societal knowledge without proposing solutions, while others research issues like educational underachievement to suggest remedies.
Ways sociology influences social policy:
CPS CPI
Cultural awareness:
Sociological research on ethnicity aids governments in meeting diverse needs.
Self-awareness:
Sociology fosters understanding of personal behaviors and societal roles, leading to movements like gay rights.
Changing assumptions:
Research influences societal norms, e.g., altering views on sexual behavior.
Providing theoretical frameworks:
Sociological perspectives shape political ideologies, e.g., New Right (Conservatives) and Giddens (New Labour).
Practical knowledge:
Sociologists apply expertise in fields like journalism and social work, influencing societal narratives and actions.
Identifying social problems:
Sociological insights expose inequalities, as seen in the McPherson Report on institutional racism.
Factors limiting sociology’s impact on social policy:
Electoral popularity:
Unpopular recommendations face rejection.
Government ideology:
Alignment between sociologist and government ideologies increases influence.
Pressure groups:
Groups like businesses may oppose sociological recommendations, e.g., higher wages.
Globalization:
International bodies (e.g., EU) may counter sociological input.
Critical sociology:
Governments often dismiss findings critical of their actions.
Funding:
Governments may lack funds to implement sociological recommendations.
Research bias:
Funding sources may pressure sociologists to align findings with their interests.
Sociological perspectives on social policy + critique
Functionalism
Sociology, as a science, identifies and solves societal problems.
Policies based on value consensus serve everyone (e.g., education for equality).
Critique: Marxists argue policies fail to address systemic poverty.
Sociological perspectives on social policy + critique
Social Democratic Perspective
Advocates wealth redistribution and reforms like improved welfare.
Example: Black Report recommendations on health and housing.
Critique: Marxists see such reforms as insufficient under capitalism.
Sociological perspectives on social policy + critique
Marxism:
State policies maintain ruling-class interests, e.g., welfare to sustain labor.
Role of sociologists: Expose capitalist exploitation and advocate for systemic change.
Critique: Social Democrats see potential for reforms within capitalism.
Sociological perspectives on social policy + critique
Feminism:
State perpetuates patriarchy via policies favoring traditional family structures.
Achievements: Gender-equal educational materials, anti-discrimination laws.
Critique: Radical feminists argue reforms can’t fully liberate women.
Sociological perspectives on social policy + policies
New Right:
Advocates minimal state involvement, emphasizing personal responsibility.
Policies: Welfare reform to reduce dependency culture, strong law and order measures.
Influence: Conservative and New Labour policies.
Arguments for sociology’s involvement in social policy
Founding sociologists viewed it as a tool for societal improvement.
Governments fund sociological research to inform policies.
Sociologists’ input can prevent policy failures.
Arguments against sociology’s involvement in social policy
Risk of bias due to reliance on government funding.
Critical sociologists argue applied research can harm marginalized groups.
Close ties with policymakers risk sociology becoming a governmental tool.
Governments may address symptoms, not root causes, e.g., ASBOs vs. poverty.
Differing perspectives make objective recommendations challenging.
Becker’s question:
“Whose side are we on?” Sociologists must decide their stance when engaging with social policy
