Sociology and social policy

• What is a social problem according to Peter Worsley?

  A social problem causes public friction or private misery
• What is the role of sociologists in solving social problems?

  To discover knowledge for solving social problems
• Who employs many sociologists directly?

  Government departments like the Home Office
• What might affect whether sociological research influences policy?

  Electoral popularity and government ideology
• What do interest groups do in relation to government policies?

  They seek to influence policies in their interests
• How does globalization affect social policy?

  International organizations influence national policies
• What do critical sociologists argue about the state?

  They see it as serving powerful groups' interests
• What is a criticism of the piecemeal approach to social policy?

  It fails to address wider structural inequalities
• What do Marxists believe about social policies?

  They benefit the ruling capitalist class
• What do feminists argue about social policies?

  They reflect and perpetuate patriarchy
• What is the New Right's view on state involvement in welfare?

  They believe in minimal state involvement
• What do New Right thinkers argue about welfare benefits?

  They create dependency and weaken self-reliance
• How do New Right policies propose to address social problems?

  By restoring individual responsibility for welfare
• What is the influence of New Right thinking on political parties?

  It has attracted the Conservative Party's support
• What do sociologists propose to do regarding social policies?

  Propose alternative policies based on research
• What are the major sociological perspectives on social policy?

  • Positivism and Functionalism: See sociology as a science to improve society.
  • Marxism: Critique capitalist policies and advocate for revolutionary change.
  • Feminism: Highlight patriarchy in policies and advocate for women's rights.
  • New Right: Propose minimal state intervention and promote individual responsibility.
• What factors influence the effectiveness of sociological research in shaping policy?

  • Electoral popularity of proposed policies
  • Government's ideological preferences
  • Influence of interest groups and pressure groups
  • Globalization and international organizations
  • Funding sources and their impact on research
• What is the role of sociologists in relation to social policy?

  • Investigate social problems scientifically
  • Provide objective information to policymakers
  • Propose evidence-based solutions to social issues
  • Critique existing policies and their impacts
• How do different sociological perspectives view the state and its policies?

  • Positivists: State serves society's interests.
  • Functionalists: State implements rational policies for social good.
  • Marxists: State benefits ruling class, not the working class.
  • Feminists: State perpetuates gender inequality.
  • New Right: State should minimize welfare involvement.
• What criticisms do various sociological perspectives have regarding social policies?

  • Functionalists: Piecemeal approach may overlook structural issues.
  • Marxists: Policies serve capitalist interests, not social justice.
  • Feminists: Policies often ignore women's needs and perpetuate patriarchy.
  • New Right: Welfare policies create dependency and undermine responsibility.