Sociology And Social Policy

Question 1

Critical sociology on social policy

Answer 1

Sociology can investigate the impact social policies can have and judge their effectiveness
Sharon Gerwitz looked at the impact of marketisation in the education system, it was claimed such policies gave more power to the consumers (parents) and increased their choice- Parentocracy
Gerwitz argued it only benefitted the better off, those with cultural capital and did little for low income parents
Often sociologists can be critical of social policies and point out their negative effects

Question 2

How far should sociology seek to influence social policy?

Answer 2

1. Positivism and functionalism: sociology should influence policy- provide the state with objective facts for piecemeal social engineering- help benefit society e.g. Beveridge Report and intro of NHS in 1947
2. Social democrat perspective: sociology should influence policy- research social problems to eradicate them. Redistribute wealth e.g. New Labour EMA to support working-class achievement
3. Marxist criticisms: sociology should not influence social policy. Need to overthrow Capitalism. Policies act as a smokescreen e.g. minimum wage gives capitalism ‘caring face of capitalism’
4. New Right: sociology should influence social policy by promoting self-reliance policies. Influence Conservative policies because NR hold similar values. Policies should promote self-reliance. Cut benefits. Tax breaks for married promoted nuclear family
5. Feminism: Liberals- policies creat a March of Progress e.g. equal pay, shared parental leave, Radicals- policies are not enough to tackle patriarchy in relationships

Question 3

How can sociology be applied to social policy?
Anthony Giddens believes there are four practical benefits of studying sociology:

Answer 3

1) understanding social situations
2) awareness of cultural differences
3) assessment of the effects of policies
4) increase in self-knowledge