Theory And Social Policy

Question 1

What do functionalists say about policy?

Answer 1

• Piecemeal approach
• Solving one problem at a time not all in one go

Question 2

What do Marxists say about policy?

Answer 2

• Policy reflects the interests of powerful groups
• Functionalism is too idealistic
• Continues capitalism

Question 3

How does social policy continue capitalism?

Answer 3

• Provides ideological legitimation- masks capitalist exploitation
• Maintain labour force- NHS, minimum wage
• Prevents a revolution- Butler act

Question 4

What do feminists say about social policy?

Answer 4

• Research and policy is male stream
• Policies introduced in favour of the nuclear family
• Romania in the 1980s introduced policies to increase birth rates, restricting contraception, harder to divorce, lowering marriage age, unmarried adults pay 5% extra tax

Question 5

What do New Right sociologists say about policy?

Answer 5

• Murray
• Introduction of social policy creates lazy group of working class who rely on welfare state
• The underclass