Sociology and social policy

• What are the four practical benefits of sociology according to Anthony Giddens?


  Understanding the world, evidence-based policy, insight into social issues, and informing social policy.
• What is social policy and its purpose?


  • Area of government that aims to improve citizens' well-being
  • Includes policies on pensions, health, and education
  • Involves academic study of these government policies
• Who generates new ideas for social policy?

  Governments, political parties, and pressure groups.
• How does social policy relate to the political party in power in the UK?

  Social policy is influenced by the party in power, typically either Labour or the Conservatives.
• Which agencies carry out social policy in the UK?

  Government agencies such as the departments for education and health, as well as charities like the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
• What role does sociological research play in addressing social issues like poverty and crime?

  Sociological research helps identify social trends and informs policies to tackle issues like poverty and crime.
• Who was Frank Field and what was his role?

  Frank Field was a sociologist and policy-maker in the Labour government between 1997 and 1998.
• What misconception arose after the creation of the Welfare State in the UK?

  Many believed that poverty had been largely eradicated.
• What did Peter Townsend and Mack and Lansley reveal about poverty in their research?

  Their empirical evidence highlighted that poverty was still a significant issue and that certain groups were more vulnerable.
• How did the New Right view the causes of poverty?

  The New Right, represented by Marsland, blamed reliance on an over-generous welfare state.
• What was Weber's perspective on the role of sociology in social policy?

  Weber believed sociology should not make value judgments but should inform decision-makers about the likely effects of policies.
• What did Weber suggest about the timing of evidence gathering in relation to policy-making?

  Weber suggested that evidence gathering should occur after a policy is proposed, not before.
• What concerns did Podest Zygan Basin express regarding sociology and social policy?

  He worried that sociological theories about poverty and welfare were not being listened to and that society was marginalizing the Welfare State.
• What caution did Lysand express about sociological research methods?

  Lysand warned that critical methods of sociological research could lead to oppressive narratives and strict doctrines.
• What do Marxists believe about the relationship between sociology and the capitalist system?

  Marxists believe sociology is too closely intertwined with capitalism to effectively challenge it.
• How do Marxists view the funding of sociological research?

  Marxists argue that funding from the state and industry controls research, preventing it from challenging the capitalist system.
• What is the debate among feminists regarding sociology's impact on gender inequality?

  Some feminists believe sociology has improved women's lives, while radical feminists argue that it cannot change the patriarchal society.
• What do radical feminists like Shulamith Firestone argue about societal change?

  Radical feminists argue that patriarchal society must be dismantled for women's lives to improve.
• What do socialist feminists claim about social policy?

  Socialist feminists argue that social policy oppresses women and undervalues their contributions in the welfare sector.
• What are the constraints that affect government decisions on social policy?

  • Governments consider public popularity of policies
  • Marginalized groups may be neglected if they lack electoral power
  • Financial implications of policies are crucial
  • Expensive policies may deter voters due to potential tax increases
• What are sociological problems and how do they differ from social problems?


  Sociological problems are issues needing explanation, while social problems cause friction or misery and require solutions.
• What is the significance of research on sociological problems for policy-makers?

  If a sociological problem is also a social problem, the research will be useful for policy-makers.
• What are the three camps of thought regarding sociology's role in social policy?

  1. Sociology should actively influence policy
  2. Sociology should aim to change and replace the system
  3. Sociology should not influence social policy
• What criticism do some people have regarding Giddens' view on sociology's influence on government decisions?

  Some criticize Giddens for overstating sociology's ability to influence government decisions.