Theoretical perspectives on family policy

Question 1

What is the feminist perspective on family policy?

Answer 1

The state reinforces patriarchal control through introducing policies that are aimed at women in the role of primary carer.

• e.g. child benefit paid to mothers initially

Question 2

What do Liberal feminists argue about social policy?

Answer 2

They suggest that state policy can be used to change the role of women in society.

• e.g. equal pay act, divorce reform and legalisation of abortion

Question 3

What is the Marxist perspective on family policy?

Answer 3

Critical on the role of the state in the creation of
social policy

• suggesting that they are designed to serve the needs of the elites in society.
• State policy is based upon ruling class ideologies and those that do not conform face sanctions

Question 4

What does Donzelot suggest about the states impact on family?

Answer 4

State can effectively ‘police the family’ - Intervening when they believe that the family is not socialising children correctly.

Question 5

What was Parsons functionalist perspective on social policy?

Answer 5

He advocated reinforcing the nuclear family through social policies - e.g tax incentives for married people.

However…

Functionalists also suggest limited state involvement in the running of the family - not necessary for society to function correctly.