Social policy is.....

1. Social policy is.....

2. Marshall • The actions of governments that have ‘a direct impact on the welfare of the citizens, by providing them with services or income’

3. Should sociologists influence social policy?

4. What kinds of policies do different perspectives favour?

5. How much does social research influence government policies? What other factors affect social research?

6. Social problems Vs sociological problems • Social problems – • a piece of social behaviour that causes public friction/ private misery and call for collective action to solve it • Eg • Poverty, educational under attainment, juvenile delinquency

7. Social problems Vs sociological problems • Sociological problems – • ‘any pattern of relationship that calls for collective action’ • Any behaviour we wish to make sense of • Can be a social problem but can also be ‘normal’ behaviour • eg why do people obey the law or queue?

8. The influence of sociology on social policy • No guarantee policy makers (government) will listen • Factors effecting influence • Electoral popularity • Values of party in government • Interest groups • Globalisation • Critical sociology • Cost

9. Perspectives on social policy & sociology • Postivism & functionalism • The social democratic perspective • Marxism • Feminism • The New Right • Read & make notes on the section of your handout that corresponds with your number

10. Feedback • Verbally explain the text to the rest of your group • 3 minutes each • 1 Key point from your text

11. Postivism & functionalism • Take a scientific approach, see the state as serving society as a whole which makes it perform effectively • Sociologists should provide the state with objective scientific information from which the state can base its policies

12. The social democratic perspective • By suggesting equal opportunities policies they aim to create equality by redistributing from the rich to the poor • Black report – class inequality • Peter Townsend – social problems recommended more public spending on education & health care

13. Marxism • See society as divided into 2 opposite classes • The ruling class exploit the working class • Only the interests of capitalism are served by social policy

14. Feminism • Society is patriarchal, social policies encourage women’s subordination. • Feminists have had some impact on social policy eg – learning materials promoting positive images of females • Overall few feminists favour social reformism many call for a revolution • Liberal feminist have a ‘march of progress view’ – that social policy has helped women achieve greater freedom.

15. The New Right • The state should have minimal involvement in society • Social problems cannot be tackled through state provision of welfare • State intervention robs people from their freedom to make their own decisions, and encourages dependency on the welfare state.

16. Use the question stems on your handout to write down 1 question & the answer from each of the areas you did not read through.

17. Pub Quiz

18. Homework • Assess the relationship between sociology & social policy (33 marks) • Use the examiners advice on page 281 to complete this essay • Try reading your notes then complete it under timed conditions (45 mins)