Social Policy (Theories topic)

Question 1

Outline and explain two ways in which sociology
might influence government policy. (10 marks)

Answer 1

P1:
A01: identification of a social problem that
requires policies to solve it. - Policies are often designed to solve problems in society, for example, differential educational
achievement or patterns of crime and deviance. Sociological research brings these problems to the attention of the public,
media and government as well as providing evidence to show the extent of the problem.

A02: Sure start centres - For example, lots of research showed
that social class differences in educational achievement are already apparent at pre‐school age. This evidence contributed
towards the Labour government of 1997‐2010 developing Sure Start centres, as a form of compensatory education.

A03: Labour also introduced EMA which allowed pupils to stay in education longer than the age of 16 as a result of Smith and Nobel - lack of money = barrier to continue education

A03 Negative: Coalition government 2010 scraped these policies and and despite the same evidence they blamed the recession for the main reason why.

P2:
A01:

Question 2

Evaluate the view that Sociology should be involved in social policy research (20 marks)

Answer 2

Functionalism + Positivism P1
Point: Positivists and Functionalists argue that Sociology should be involved in social policy research to improve society through objective, scientific research.
* Evidence and Explain: Positivists believe that sociology should adopt a scientific approach to studying social problems, using quantitative methods such as official statistics and structured interviews to identify patterns and trends. Functionalists, such as Durkheim, suggest that social policies can help maintain social order and cohesion by addressing key societal issues. For example, the introduction of compulsory education policies ensures that individuals are socialized into shared norms and values, contributing to a stable society.
* Analysis: This perspective is beneficial as it allows governments to make evidence-based policies that tackle social issues such as poverty and crime.
* Evaluation: However, critics argue that this approach assumes a value-free stance, ignoring the subjective and political nature of policymaking. Marxists, for instance, claim that policies often serve ruling-class interests rather than benefiting society as a whole.

Liberal feminism P2
Point: Liberal feminists support the involvement of Sociology in social policy research to improve the position of women and promote gender equality.

• Evidence and Explain: Liberal feminists argue that sociological research has led to policies that challenge gender discrimination and promote equal opportunities. For instance, the Equal Pay Act (1970) and the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) were influenced by sociological research highlighting workplace inequalities. More recently, policies such as shared parental leave and initiatives to close the gender pay gap demonstrate the impact of feminist sociology on social policy.
• Analysis: The involvement of Sociology in social policy has contributed to greater gender equality and improved the lives of women.
• Evaluation: However, radical feminists argue that liberal approaches focus too much on reform rather than addressing the deeper patriarchal structures in society. Furthermore, some critics argue that policy changes do not always translate into real-world improvements due to continued gender biases in institutions

New Right P3
Point: The New Right perspective opposes extensive sociological involvement in social policy, arguing that too much state intervention creates dependency and inefficiency.

• Evidence and Explain: New Right theorists such as Murray argue that welfare policies, influenced by sociological research, have led to a ‘culture of dependency’ among certain groups. Policies such as universal welfare benefits and council housing are seen as discouraging self-reliance and fostering an underclass. The reduction of welfare provisions under successive conservative governments reflects this belief in minimal state intervention and the promotion of individual responsibility.
• Analysis: New Right theorists highlight valid concerns regarding dependency, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and reduced state intervention.
• Evaluation: However, Social Democrats critique this view, arguing that welfare policies are essential in addressing structural inequalities and ensuring social justice. They believe that Sociology plays a crucial role in informing policies that reduce poverty, improve education, and enhance healthcare. Policies such as the NHS and universal benefits demonstrate the effectiveness of state intervention in improving societal well-being. Therefore, while excessive welfare dependency should be avoided, complete withdrawal of state support may deepen social inequalities rather than resolve them.

Question 3

Evaluate the view that Sociology should not be involved in social policy research (20 marks)

Answer 3

Marxists
Point: Marxists argue that Sociology should not be involved in social policy research as policies often serve ruling-class interests rather than addressing true social inequalities.

• Evidence and Explain: Marxists believe that the state primarily serves the interests of the bourgeoisie, using social policies as a means of maintaining capitalism and preventing revolutionary change. For example, welfare policies such as benefits and minimum wage laws may appear to help the working class but, in reality, they only serve to pacify them and prevent resistance against the capitalist system. Policies such as private healthcare and education reinforce class inequalities by ensuring that the wealthy can maintain their privileged positions while the working class remains disadvantaged.
• Analysis: From a Marxist perspective, social policies act as an ideological tool that creates the illusion of fairness while maintaining systemic inequalities.
• Evaluation: However, critics argue that some social policies, such as the NHS and free education, have genuinely improved the lives of the working class, demonstrating that policies can be used to reduce inequality rather than solely maintaining capitalism. Furthermore, social democrats would argue that state intervention, rather than revolution, is a more practical means of achieving social justice.