Family - Social Policy Flashcards
(40 cards)
What are social policies?
Measures taken by the state concerning schools and welfare agencies that can affect families.
Social policies can impact family life directly or indirectly.
How do social policies affect families directly?
Through laws on marriage, divorce, child protection, contraception, and abortion.
These laws have a direct impact on family structure and dynamics.
How do social policies affect families indirectly?
By requiring childcare for working parents due to compulsory schooling.
This can create additional challenges for families balancing work and childcare.
What is the functionalist view of social policy?
Functionalists see social policy as beneficial for society, promoting value consensus and improving family life.
They believe policies help in socializing children and caring for welfare.
Who argued that health, education, and housing policies support family functions?
Fletcher (1966).
Fletcher suggests these policies lead to a welfare state that aids families.
What criticism does Donzelot (1997) have regarding social policies?
He argues that the state uses social policies to regulate behavior within families.
This perspective views social workers as instruments of social control.
What does the New Right perspective emphasize about family structure?
It views the traditional nuclear family as ‘natural’ and opposes state intervention.
They believe strong families lead to self-reliance and effective socialization of children.
What is the ‘dependency culture’ according to the New Right?
A situation where individuals rely on the state, undermining family structures.
This culture is criticized for encouraging irresponsibility among parents.
What is Section 28?
A policy that prohibited local authorities from promoting homosexuality.
It was part of the Local Government Act 1988 and faced significant opposition.
What was the goal of John Major’s ‘Back to Basics’ initiative?
To focus on traditional family values and improve family life.
The initiative faced ridicule and highlighted divisions within the Conservative Party.
What was the Child Support Agency (CSA) intended to do?
To ensure non-custodial parents contribute financially to their children’s upbringing.
However, it was criticized for being flawed and ineffective.
What impact did the two-child limit on benefits have?
It pushed millions of children deeper into poverty and influenced women’s decisions on pregnancy.
The limit restricts benefits for families with more than two children.
What is Universal Credit?
A new government benefits model replacing seven existing benefits with one payment.
It aims to simplify the benefits system in the UK.
What is the aim of the £4bn expansion of free childcare introduced in 2023?
To help people into work and boost economic growth.
This addresses the high costs of childcare in the UK.
What does feminism argue about social policies?
They benefit men and disadvantage women by reinforcing patriarchal structures.
For example, maternity leave is longer than paternity leave.
What is a familistic gender regime?
Assumes a traditional gender division with male breadwinners and female caregivers.
Seen in countries with little state welfare, like Greece.
What is an individualistic gender regime?
Treats husbands and wives equally, promoting women’s independence and work opportunities.
Exemplified by Sweden’s welfare policies.
True or False: The global recession in 2008 advanced gender equality in family policies.
False.
The recession led to cutbacks in government spending, increasing pressure on women.
What is the impact of the two-child policy on family size?
It has not made UK families smaller but has increased poverty.
Critics argue it disproportionately affects larger families.
What exemptions were introduced for the two-child limit?
Exemptions for children born as a result of rape, multiple births, or adoption.
This was in response to criticisms of the policy’s harshness.
What do critics say about the two-child benefit cap?
It punishes children for having siblings and exacerbates poverty.
Many organizations have called for its abolition.
How does the government policy influence women’s choices regarding pregnancy?
The two-child limit can pressure women to terminate pregnancies due to financial constraints.
This has been highlighted by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service.
What is the New Right’s view on state intervention in family life?
The New Right opposes state intervention in family life
What did Rachel Condry (2007) note about the state’s control over family life?
The state may seek to control family life by imposing compulsory Parenting Orders through the courts
