Theoretical perspectives

• Functionalism

  • Parsons = warm bath theory, reinforce nuclear family
  • Limited state involvement, not needed if society functions correctly
  • Family = social institution that provides for its members
  • Trad. values still valued over progressive policies, e.g same sex marriage
• Marixsm

  • Social policy = serve needs of elites, e.g childcare policies enable more people to work = Althusser
  • State policy based on ruling class ideologies
• Feminism

  • State reinforces patriarchal control by introducing policies aimed at women in role of primary care, e.g child benefit paid to mothers first = Firestone
  • Liberal feminists = state policy can change role of women in society, e.g divorce reform, legalisation of abortion = Sommerville