4.2 - Explain How Social Change Affect Policy Developments Flashcards
What are social values?
General principles, beliefs or guidelines about how we should live our lives.
Give an example of social values.
Western countries place high value on pursuing individual wealth whereas tribal societies place more value on the collective group.
What are social norms?
“Unwritten rules” of society.
They tell us how to behave.
Give an example of social norms?
Waiting in a queue until it is your turn.
What are formal norms?
Can be punished by law.
Give an example of formal norms.
Drink driving
Speeding
Give an example of informal norms.
Smoking indoors
Queue jumping
What are mores?
Basic and essential norms that society see as vital for maintaining standards of decency and civilised behaviour.
Can be severely punished.
Give an example of mores.
Taboo against incest
Prohibition of taking human life other than in very serious circumstances.
Why do laws change over time?
Due to changing public perceptions, changes in social norms and changes in social values.
Changing in public perceptions campaign - THINK
Car safety - drink driving and wearing seatbelts
How did the THINK campaign change public perceptions?
Road safety was becoming more of a public concern and moving up the political agenda. EG. 1996 - all cars fitted with seatbelts.
Following the THINK campaign, an increase in public concerns led to –?
1967 Road Safety Act which introduced blood alcohol limit of 80mg per 100ml of blood.
When were breathalysers introduced and what did this help reduce?
1968
Helped reduce road deaths by over 1,100 and serious inquiries by 11,000.
What proportion of accidents where alcohol was involved fell by as a result of the THINK campaign?
25%
