Social policy and the family

• What does functionalism assume about social policies?

  They benefit everyone in society.
• What do feminists argue about the benefits of social policies?

  They benefit only men, not everyone.
• How do social policies affect family life according to functionalism?

  They can improve family life.
• What are social policies?

  • Measures taken by state bodies
  • Based on laws introduced by government
  • Affect family life directly and indirectly
• What are direct effects of social policies on families?

  Policies aimed specifically at family life.
• What are indirect effects of social policies on families?

  Policies on social issues affecting families.
• What do functionalists believe about the role of the state?

  The state acts in the interests of society.
• What is the 'march of progress' according to functionalists?

  Policies gradually improve family life.
• What is the New Right's view on state intervention in family life?

  They oppose state intervention.
• How does the New Right view the traditional nuclear family?

  As 'natural' and based on biological roles.
• What do the New Right believe about family roles?

  Proper roles lead to self-reliance.
• What is the New Right's criticism of welfare policies?

  They undermine the family structure.
• What does Murray (1984) argue about welfare benefits?

  They create 'perverse incentives'.
• What solution does the New Right propose regarding welfare spending?

  Cut welfare spending to reduce dependency.
• How do the New Right and functionalists differ in their views on family dependency?

  New Right sees dependency as harmful.
• What policies did Conservative governments (1979-1997) implement reflecting New Right views?

  Banned promotion of homosexuality.
• How did the Coalition government (2010-2015) affect traditionalist influence?

  Weakened traditionalist influence on policies.
• What family structure did New Labour governments (1997-2010) support?

  Married, heterosexual couples.
• How did New Labour differ from the New Right regarding family earners?

  Favored dual-earner neo-conventional families.
• What is the feminist perspective on social policies?

  They benefit men and maintain patriarchy.
• What does Land (1978) argue about social policies?

  They assume the patriarchal family is the norm.
• How can maternity leave policies reinforce gender roles?

  Longer maternity leave than paternity leave.
• What is Drew's (1995) concept of gender regimes?

  Describes policies encouraging gender equality.
• What is a familistic gender regime?

  Assumes traditional gender divisions in families.
• How do individualistic gender regimes differ from familistic ones?

  They treat husbands and wives the same.
• What trend has occurred since the global recession began in 2008 regarding women's responsibilities?

  Women pressured to take more caring roles.
• What do neoliberal welfare policies encourage individuals to do?

  Use the market instead of the state.
• What do the New Right believe about the conventional nuclear family?

  It is the cornerstone of society.
• How do the New Right view policies on welfare benefits and divorce?

  They see them as undermining the family.
• What is the New Right's argument regarding family breakdown?

  Policies promote breakdown and harm children.