Topic 10 - Social Policy

Question 1

What are social policies? [2]

Answer 1

A plan of action for improvement by governments

Policies lead to laws, but don’t require them

Question 2

Define a social problem

Answer 2

Social behaviour that causes public friction and/or private misery, so needs a solution e.g. poverty, juvenile delinquency

Question 3

Define a sociological problem

Answer 3

Any pattern of social behaviour that needs an explanation

Question 4

An example of the investigation of a social problem

Answer 4

British Crime Survey investigates crime (social prob)

Question 5

An example of the investigation of a sociological problem

Answer 5

The census collects data on standards of living (sociological problem)

Question 6

Functionalist perspective on Sociology & Social policy

Answer 6

See state as serving the interest of society as a whole, to produce & implement rational social policies for the good of all.

Question 7

Social Democrat perspective on Sociology & Social policy

Answer 7

Sociology should make recommendations for policies that will get rid of inequalities through a major redistribution of wealth & income

Question 8

Marxist perspective on Sociology & Social policy [2]

Answer 8

Marxists see state as an instrument of the ruling class & see social policies as serving the interests of capitalism
Social policies hide this exploitation so Marxists can act to do this

Question 9

Feminist perspective on Sociology & Social policy [2]

Answer 9

Social policies perpetuate women’s subordination
Liberal feminists believe social policy has led to anti-discrimination laws & radical feminism has led to positive social policy on domestic violence

Question 10

New Right perspective on Sociology & Social policy [2]

Answer 10

Believe the state should have a minimal role in society

Opposed to using state provision in welfare to deal w/ social problems as it undermines sense of responsibility

Question 11

Postmodernist perspective on Sociology & Social policy

Answer 11

Sociology has no contribution to policy- simply to allow people to seek out an understanding of their personal lives w/i a specific social context

Question 12

Examples of New Right influence on family

Answer 12

In Families: New Right influenced gouts on welfare benefits (Murray)