sociology and social policy

• What is social policy generally thought of as?

  Plans and actions of governments
• Why might sociologists be interested in normal behaviors?

  To understand societal norms and values
• What is the relationship between sociology and social policy?

  • Sociology examines social problems
  • Sociologists propose policy solutions
  • Research influences government actions
• Who defined a social problem as behavior causing public friction?

  Peter Worsley
• How does Worsley define a sociological problem?

  Patterns of relationships that call for explanation
• Why might sociologists study 'normal' behavior?

  To understand why it occurs and its implications
• What are the roles of sociologists in relation to social problems?

  • Investigate causes of social problems
  • Propose policy recommendations
  • Evaluate effectiveness of policies
• What factors affect whether sociological research influences policy?

  Electoral popularity, government ideology, interest groups
• How can critical sociology affect policy influence?

  It may be seen as too extreme or impractical
• What is a potential issue with funding sources for sociologists?

  They may alter findings to fit paymasters' wishes
• How can sociological ideas influence mainstream culture?

  • Ideas shape public perceptions of social problems
  • Influence government policy decisions
  • Example: Bowlby's theory on child development
• What does Tom Burden suggest about social policies?

  They are political decisions, not neutral solutions
• What are the major sociological perspectives on social policy?

  • Positivism and functionalism
  • Social democratic perspective
  • Marxist perspective
• What did early positivists believe about sociology?

  Sociology would discover causes and solutions
• How do functionalists view the state and social policies?

  As serving the interests of society as a whole
• What is the functionalist approach to social policy?

  Favoring cautious, piecemeal social engineering
• What do Marxists argue about educational policies?

  They are influenced by wider class inequalities
• What does the social democratic perspective advocate for?

  Redistribution of wealth from rich to poor
• What did Peter Townsend research focus on?

  Poverty and policy recommendations
• What was the Black Report's focus?

  Class inequalities in health
• What was the response of Thatcher's government to the Black Report?

  Refused to implement its recommendations
• How do Marxists view the role of the state?

  As serving the interests of capitalism
• What do Marxists believe about social policies?

  They provide ideological legitimation for capitalism
• What is the definition of a social problem according to Worsley?

  A behavior causing public friction or misery
• What is the distinction between social problems and sociological problems?

  Social problems cause public issues; sociological problems require explanation
• What is the role of sociologists in evaluating policy effectiveness?

  To assess how well policies address social issues
• How does globalization impact social policy?

  It introduces international influences on policies
• How do interest groups influence policy-making?

  They advocate for policies that serve their interests
• What is the relationship between sociological research and public opinion?

  Research can shape how society views problems
• What is the role of think tanks in shaping policy?

  They provide research to support specific political agendas
• What does the concept of piecemeal social engineering refer to?

  Addressing one specific issue at a time
• How does critical sociology affect policy influence?

  It may be dismissed as extreme or impractical
• What is the significance of Bowlby's theory in social policy discussions?

  It influenced opinions on child development policies
• What did the Black Report (1980) focus on?

  Class inequalities in health
• What was one recommendation from the Black Report?

  Free school meals for all children
• When was the Black Report completed?

  1980
• Why did the Conservative government refuse to implement the Black Report's recommendations?

  On grounds of cost
• How do Marxists view the role of the state in society?

  The state serves the interests of capitalism
• What is one way the welfare state is perceived by Marxists?

  It masks capitalist exploitation
• How does the NHS serve capitalism according to Marxists?

  By keeping workers fit enough to work