Policy Debate

• Worsley says sociology isn't always connected to social issues so policy does not have to be the point of all research
• Brewer says sociology should seek to address social issues by influencing policy
• Functionalists generally say the state acts in the best interests of society and sociology can help it make the best decisions
• Later functionalists may argue sociology shouldn't get too involved with the workings of the state
• Marxists think sociology should change society, but not through policy
• The state is controlled by the ruling class, so all policies will benefit the bourgeoise
• Policies create ideological legitimation with tokenistic gestures like the welfare state that appease the working class
• Some policies act to maintain the labour force - the NHS for example only exists to make sure people are healthy enough to work
• Policies also have the impact of preventing revolution by implying the state cares for the working class
• Marxists say sociology should uncover the truth about policies and radicalise the people, rather than trying to work with society's oppressors
• Radical feminists note many policies act to keep women in the home, like benefits for married couples and maternity
• Liberal feminists instead use sociology to inform policy, which can be seen in laws like the sex discrimination act or equal pay act
• Policies that benefit women may only reflect liberal feminism, not other branches
• Left and right realists seek to influence policies to solve social issues like crime
• The New Right largely believe the state should not interfere with people's lives, and disapproves of an excessive welfare state for this reason
• Instead, new right policies focus on maintaining traditional values and restoring people's sense of responsibility
• Despite different theories all wanting to influence policy there are many reasons why sociology may not do this
• Governments may not follow sociological research if acting on it would be unpopular with their voter base
• Governments will seek out research that aligns with its political views - sociology that clashes with this eg Marxism is unlikely to have influence
• Even if governments agree with research, the means to act on it may be expensive or ineffecient
• Government funding will greatly influence what is researched and what the conclusion is
• Globalisation means policy is influenced on a global scale, not just by national research
• Some research may be too small-scale to be useful to governments, like interpretivism
• Governments often turn to institutions of researchers called think tanks, which are closer linked to politics than sociology
• Ultimately sociology does still have an impact on policy, though this may be direct or indirect