Social Policies

• social policies

  laws made by the government which aim to improve society or deal with a social policy
• What do social policies ensure for families?

  That families receive necessary support and resources
• How do social policies assist parents in balancing work and family?

  By providing flexible work arrangements and support
• How do social policies address the needs of the elderly?

  By providing care and support services
• What is the purpose of the Children's Act of 1999?

  To provide support for children and families
• How do policies regarding divorce affect children's welfare?

  They can influence custody arrangements and support
• What are the implications of child custody laws on children's development?

  They can affect emotional and psychological well-being
• How do economic challenges affect children's upbringing?

  They can limit access to education and resources
• What are the long-term effects of economic instability on families?

  It can lead to generational cycles of poverty
• How does family structure influence children's development?

  It affects their social and emotional growth
• What does the term "family policy" refer to?

  Guidelines for supporting families
• Why is family policy important?

  It shapes the support systems available to families
• How do changes in family policy affect societal norms?

  They can redefine expectations of family roles
• What are the implications of inadequate government support for families?

  It can lead to increased poverty and hardship
• Ronald Fletcher (1966)

  health education and housing policies have led to the welfare state which supports the family in completing its functions
• New Right on social policies

  • the conventional heterosexual nuclear family is self-sufficient
  • social policies have been a negative influence on society promoting family diversity and the disintegration of society
• Feminist view on social policies

  • makes assumptions on a ‘normal family’ as a patriarchal nuclear family
  • social policies ensure the maintenance of this family type
• Marxist view on social policies

  see family policy as a way for the ruling class to maintain their capitalist control of society and ensure that the family continues to support capitalism
• types of social policy

  • providing material support for the family, eg. cash benefits through child benefits
  • helping parents to balance working life and family life, eg. maternity pay
• new labour policies (1997-2010)

  aim - favoured duel earning families but also emphasises the heterosexual nuclear family and for parents to take responsibility

  for their children (Silva & Smart), eg. longer maternity leave
• conservative policies (1980-1990)

  aim - to strengthen the traditional nuclear family, emphasising the self help and reliance, reduced welfare payments, eg. children’s act 1989
• Coalition Policies (2010 onwards)

  aim - inconsistent policies on the family due to conflict between two camps of MP‘s Hayton (modernists who accept diversity, and traditionalists who favour a New Right view), eg. equal marriage act