Should sociology influence social policy ?

Question 1

What is social policy?

Answer 1

Governmental actions and programs designed to address societal needs and improve well-being.

(Example - educational acts - 11+ exam)
(New right policies)

Question 2

What did Giddens argue?

What are the benefits of studying sociology ?

Answer 2

There are 4 practical benefits of studying sociology

Understanding social situations

Awareness of cultural differences to break down prejudice/discrimination.

Assessment of policies

Increase in self-knowledge

Question 3

Explain understanding social situations

Answer 3

Factual knowledge can help to develop theories.

Example - 1960’s politicians thought poverty had been eradicated due to the welfare state.

However - In the 1980’s - it was found that 11 million UK residents were living in poverty.

This led to new ideas.
(Relative poverty) - what people feel they should have.
This resulted in the implementation of minimum wage.

Question 4

Explain awareness of cultural differences to break down prejudice and discrimination.

Explain Disabilities differences

Explain Racial differences

Answer 4

Disabilities
7x more unemployed
50% of households with a disabled adults male are in poverty.

These findings led to the 1955 disability discrimination act. + the 1999 disability commission act.

Race
Studies looked at positive contributions of minority ethnic groups. (Break down stereotypes)

Led to - Racial equality acts in 1976 and 2000

Question 5

Explain assessment of policies

Answer 5

Gov needs evidence that policies are effective to justify the funding.

Sociological research helps to provide this evidence.

Example - Child Support Agency, established in 1993, aimed to ensure absent fathers contributed to their children’s support, reducing reliance on benefits.

Question 6

Explain Increase in self-knowledge

Answer 6

Allows people to reflect on images of themselves and then campaign for policies which challenge stereotypical images of themselves.

Example:
Sociological opinion polls showed public support for equal rights for gay people later encouraging the gay community to have the courage to demand equal rights.