Family Flashcards
(56 cards)
What is the Functionalist view of social policy and the family?
Functionalists see society as built on harmony and consensus, with social policies acting in the interests of society as a whole.
According to Functionalists, how do social policies help families?
They help families perform their functions more effectively and improve life for their members.
Who argued that health, education, and housing policies have led to the development of a welfare state?
Ronald Fletcher
What example illustrates how the welfare state supports families according to Functionalists?
The existence of the National Health Service.
What do Feminists argue regarding social policies and family members?
They argue that policies often benefit men more than women.
What is Jacques Donzelot’s perspective on social policy?
He has a conflict view of society and sees policy as a form of state power and control over families.
What concept does Donzelot use from Michel Foucault in his analysis of families?
Surveillance
How does Foucault define power in society?
As something diffused throughout society and found within all relationships.
What role do professionals like doctors and social workers play according to Donzelot?
They exercise power over their clients by using their expert knowledge.
What term does Donzelot use to describe the control and change of families by professionals?
Policing of families
Fill in the blank: Poor families are often seen as ‘_______ families’ by professionals.
problem
What example does Rachel Condry provide about state control over family life?
Imposing compulsory Parenting Orders through the courts.
What does Donzelot reject about the Functionalist view?
The march of progress view that social policy has created a better society.
What is the focus of Donzelot’s analysis regarding social policy?
The micro level of how the caring professions act as agents of social control.
What is the importance of professional knowledge according to Donzelot?
It serves as a form of power and control.
What do Marxists criticize Donzelot for?
Failing to identify clearly who policies of surveillance benefit
Marxists argue that social policies generally operate in class interests.
What do Feminists argue about the beneficiaries of social policies?
Men are the beneficiaries
Feminists contend that social policies often favor male interests.
According to Charles Murray, what are ‘perverse incentives’?
Welfare benefits that reward irresponsible or anti-social behaviour
This concept was introduced in Murray’s 1984 work.
What is the New Right’s view on the traditional nuclear family?
It is self-reliant and capable of caring for its members
The New Right advocates for a family structure with a male provider and female homemaker.
What do the New Right criticize about existing government policies?
They undermine the family’s self-reliance
This includes providing overly generous welfare benefits.
What are some welfare benefits criticized by the New Right?
- Council housing for unmarried teenage mothers
- Cash payments to support lone parent families
What do Liberal Feminists argue regarding welfare benefits?
Cuts in welfare benefits may drive many into poverty
This can lead to further social problems.
What is one consequence of providing council housing for unmarried teenage mothers?
It encourages young girls to become pregnant
This is seen as contributing to a cycle of dependency.
