Topic 8: Sociology and social policy

Question 1

Factors that effect whether sociological research with succeed in influencing policy:

Answer 1

Electoral popularity
Ideological and policy preferences of governments
Interest groups
Globalisation
Critical sociology (those critical of powerful groups may be seen as too extreme/impractical)
Cost
Funding sources

Question 2

Comte and Durkheim

Answer 2

Positivist/functionalist perspective-
Policy serves the good of all
The sociologists role is to provide objective, scientific information on which the state can base its policies.
Favour piecemeal social engineering- a cautious approach, tackling one specific issue at a time

Question 3

Townsend

Answer 3

Social democratic perspective-
Favours a major redistribution of wealth from rich to poor
Should be involved in researching social problems and making policy recommendations to eradicate them
The black report made 37 policy recommendations such as free school meal to reduce class equality. It was composed by Labour in 1977 but when come plated in 1980 the conservatives refused to implement it on the gourds of cost.

Question 4

Marxists

Answer 4

Policies maintain capitalism.
Some do provide benefits to working class, however these are constantly threatened.
Research that reveals unpleasant social problems caused by capitalism will not be listened to by the state, and a capitalist sate could not fix these problems anyway.
The sociologists role should be to criticise social policy and Rev,a exploitation and the way policy is used to mask exploitation and buy off revolt with minor concessions.

Question 5

Feminism

Answer 5

Feminism has impacted policy in a number of areas- such as learning materials and teacher training in education. These reflect the liberal feminist view that anti-discrimination reforms will ultimately bring about equality.
Radical feminists favour separatism. Women’s refuges for those escaping domestic violence reflect this.
Although feminist research has had some inflict on social policies that effect women, due to the movements greater political influence since the 1970s. However many feminists reject the view that policy can liberate women.

Question 6

Murray

Answer 6

Thinks state should have minimal involvement- are opposed to welfare which robs freedom of choice and undermines responsibility, leading to greater social problems like crime and delinquency. ‘Perverse incentives’ encourage growth of deadpan you culture.
Therefore highly critical of many policies. However they are not opposed to it as such, and see the sociologists role as proposing alternative policies to present ones; these should restore responsibility to individuals for them and their family.

Question 7

Worsley

Answer 7

Social problem- causes friction/misery and calls for action to solve it.
Sociological problem- any pattern of relationships that calls for explanation.

Some sociologists are not interested in social problems- just want to uncover truth. Some are- feel strongly or employed by government departments.