Topic 2 - Families and Social Policy Flashcards
What are family social policies?
Plans or actions that the government create, normally through laws, which affect the family in some way
What is the functionalist view on social policies?
Social policies are good for all as the state as acting in the interests of society as a whole
What does Ronald Fletcher argue about the introduction of health and education?
Gradually led to the development of a welfare state that supports the family in performing its functions effectively
What does Jacques Donzelot argue about the view of society and policies?
Conflict view of society and sees policy as a form of state power and control over families
What does Donzelot reject?
The Functionalist March of Progress view that social policy and the professionals who carry it out have created a better society.
Who do Marxists argue that institutions, laws and policies are all instruments of?
The ruling class
Who do Marxists believe family policies have benefitted?
The ruling class
What do the New Right think social policies should avoid doing?
Anything that might undermine this natural self-reliant family
What do Radical feminists argue about social policies?
They are there to benefit men and assume that the ‘normal type’ of family is nuclear
Examples of social policies to support Radical feminists:
Austerity policies (2010)
Cuts on childcare
What do liberal feminists argue about social policies?
They have benefitted women and is helping bring about gender equality
Examples of policies to help support Liberal Feminists:
Divorce Reform Act (1969)
Equal Pay Act (1972)
Examples of what the conservative government did from 1979-1997 (Thatcher and Major)
Banned the promotion of homosexuality
Divorce made easier in 1984
The Child Support Agency (1993) - made absent fathers pau support to their children
Examples of what the New Labour Governments did from 1997-2010 (Blair and Brown)
Sure Start Centres
Paid Maternity leave from 2003
Adoption and Children’ Act (2002) - same sex couples could adopt
What did the New labour governments advocate for?
Social liberalism - A belief in gender equality
