social policy

• Fletcher argues the introduction of health, education and housing policies since industrial revolution has gradually led to the development of a welfare state

  This welfare state helps families perform its functions more effectively

  Existence of NHS with the help of doctors and nurses means the family are more able to take care of sick members.
• Functionalism views have been criticised for assuming all family members benefit equally from social policies. they also assume there is a march of progress which marxists disagree with.
• Donzelot takes a conflict view. he uses Foucault's concept of surveillance who sees professionals as carrying out surveillance on the family. it is targeted more at lower social classes.
• Almond argues that laws making divorce easier undermines the idea that marriage is a lifelong commitment. introduction of civil partnerships for gay and lesbian couples sends out message that heterosexuality is no longer seen as superior.
• Murray argues that over generous welfare benefits undermine the nuclear family. by providing social housing for young mothers this gives an incentive to get pregnant.
• the conservative government 79-97 banned the promotion of homosexuality. divorce was defined as a social problem.
• labour government from 97-10 extended maternity leave but also allowed civil partnerships.
• conservative government from 2010 are divided into modernisers and traditionalists.
• Feminists take a conflict view. the state reproduce patriarchy and increasingly generous maternity leave for women reinforces the idea that they should be the primary care giver.
• Drew uses the concept gender regimes to explain how social policies in different countries can either encourage or discourage gender equality. familistic policies favour traditional gender division of labour. individualistic policies are based on gender equality.