Ways Sociology Contributes to Social Policy

Question 1

sociology contributes to social policy - provides awareness of cultural differences

Answer 1

seeing society from different perspectives help policy makers tailor policies effectively

Question 2

sociology contributes to social policy - providing self-awareness & understanding

Answer 2

due to reflexivity, research enables individuals to be self-aware of their positions in society - forming support groups
these criticise social policies, form new ones, pressure government to implement them

Question 3

sociology contributes to social policy - provide theoretical framework

Answer 3

conservative influenced by new right views about poverty & welfare-dependent culture
led to cuts in welfare benefits and state funding

Question 4

sociology contributes to social policy - provides professional knowledge

Answer 4

sociologists work in range of occupation
provides professional inputs
social policy formed in a range of areas

Question 5

sociology contributes to social policy - identifying social problems

Answer 5

sociologists show social problems have wider structural causes
feminist sociologists research; inequalities/discrimination against women in paid employment -> sex discrimination, equal pay, equality acts

Question 6

sociology contributes to social policy - providing evidence

Answer 6

sociologists carry out research
collect statistics
analyse problems 
suggest explanation 
policy makers from evidence-based policies to assure it will work

Question 7

sociology contributes to social policy - identifying unidentified consequences

Answer 7

sociologists can evaluate existing policies to check the consequences

Question 8

sociology contributes to social policy - assessing the results

Answer 8

sociologists establish whether policies have worked
did they achieve what they set out
if they need changing/destroying