Social Policies

• What do Marxists believe social policies are for?

  To mask capitalism with a caring face
• How does the NHS relate to Marxist views on social policy?

  It maintains the labor force for exploitation
• Why do Marxists argue social policy prevents revolution?

  It addresses class conflict threatening capitalism
• What was the Black Report?

  A document highlighting social class inequalities
• What did the Black Report recommend?

  Free school meals and better working conditions
• What was the outcome of the Black Report's recommendations?

  Conservatives failed to implement them
• How do Marxists view the effectiveness of social policies?

  They believe policies do not solve capitalism's problems
• What do critics say about Marxist views on social policy?

  Benefits and welfare help the working class
• What do liberal feminists believe about social policies?

  They can reduce inequality through laws
• What criticism do liberal feminists face regarding their views on social policy?

  They are too optimistic about change
• What do radical and Marxist feminists believe about social policy?

  It perpetuates women's subordination
• What is a criticism of radical and Marxist feminist views on social policy?

  They ignore positive changes from policies
• What do The New Right think about social policies?

  They encourage dependency in society
• What is a criticism of The New Right's view on social policy?

  Research often lacks evidence and is biased
• How do social democrats view the role of government?

  As a force for good in society
• What do social democrats believe about inequality?

  It exists and needs to be reduced
• What are social policies?

  Plans and laws to improve society
• What do postmodernists think about social policies?

  They believe policies aim to fix non-existent issues
• What is the purpose of sociological research according to early positivists?

  To discover causes of social problems
• How do Marxists view the role of sociologists in relation to social policy?

  To criticize policy, not serve capitalism
• What are the main criticisms of functionalist views on social policy?

  • Too optimistic about social change
  • Marxists argue for addressing wider issues first
• What are the key perspectives on social policy in sociology?

  • Marxism: Maintains capitalism
  • Liberal Feminism: Reduces inequality
  • Radical Feminism: Perpetuates subordination
  • The New Right: Encourages dependency
  • Social Democracy: Force for good
  • Postmodernism: Questions the existence of truth
• What is the assessment structure for social policies in sociology exams?

  • 10 mark 'outline' questions
  • 20 mark 'evaluate' questions
• What should students focus on when answering questions about social policy?

  • General concepts of social policy
  • Perspectives on social policy as a whole