Families and Social Policy Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is social policy in relation to families?
Social policy refers to government actions and laws that affect family life, such as marriage, childcare, and welfare support.
How does functionalism view social policy?
Functionalists see social policies as beneficial for families, helping them perform essential functions more effectively, such as socializing children and providing welfare support.
What does Fletcher (1966) argue about social policy?
Fletcher argues that social policies, like health and housing improvements, have helped families meet their functions more effectively.
How do the New Right view social policy?
The New Right argue that social policies often undermine the nuclear family by encouraging dependency on the state, particularly through welfare benefits.
What is Murray’s (1984) perspective on welfare benefits?
Murray claims welfare benefits create a ‘dependency culture’ and promote lone parenthood, which he believes weakens family structures.
How do feminists view social policy?
Feminists argue that social policies often reinforce patriarchal roles by assuming women are primary caregivers and men are breadwinners.
What does Leonard (1978) argue about social policy and patriarchy?
Leonard argues that while some policies appear to support women, they often reinforce patriarchal structures, such as maternity leave focusing on women as caregivers.
How do Marxists view social policy?
Marxists argue that social policies serve the interests of capitalism by maintaining a healthy and obedient workforce, and by diverting attention from inequality.
What do Donzelot (1977) and the ‘policing of families’ refer to?
Donzelot argues that social policies are a form of surveillance and control, particularly targeting working-class families under the guise of ‘improving’ them.
What is the impact of social policies on family diversity?
Policies like the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption rights promote family diversity by recognizing non-traditional family structures.
How does China’s one-child policy illustrate the impact of social policy?
The one-child policy restricted family size to control population growth, significantly shaping family life and societal expectations.
How did Nazi Germany’s policies affect families?
Nazi policies promoted ‘racially pure’ families, encouraging childbirth among certain groups while sterilizing others deemed ‘unfit.’
How does the UK’s child benefit policy support families?
Child benefits provide financial support to families with children, helping alleviate the cost of raising children and reducing child poverty.
What are examples of family-friendly policies in the UK?
Family-friendly policies include paid maternity and paternity leave, flexible working hours, and free childcare for young children.
How do social policies affect gender equality in families?
Policies like equal pay legislation and shared parental leave aim to reduce gender inequalities by supporting both parents in caregiving roles.
What is the impact of social policies on lone-parent families?
Policies like welfare support assist lone-parent families financially, but critics argue they may also encourage dependency on the state.
How does the functionalist view differ from feminist perspectives on social policy?
Functionalists see policies as supporting family functions, while feminists argue they often reinforce patriarchal roles and inequalities.
