Topic 10
Outline and explain two views of the role of social policy in society (10 marks)
Evaluate different sociological perspectives’ views of the relationship between
sociology and social policy (20 marks) (BOOK)
One view is the social democratic perspective on social policy. This advocates a
major distribution of wealth and income from the rich to the poor (also reflecting
philanthropist views). Sociologist Townsend and others who adopt this belief argue
that they should be involved in researching social problems and making policies to
eradicate them. For example, Townsend conducted research on poverty. Through
his findings he recommends costly policies such as higher benefit levels, and more
public spending on health and education. Similarly, the Black Report made 37 far-
reaching policy recommendations for reducing these deep-rooted inequalities. This
included free-school meals for all children and more spending to improve housing.
The Labour government had originally commissioned the report but the Thatcher
government refused to implement due its cost and even tried to restrict its
publication which reflects the ideological and policy preferences of governments.
Thatcher intended to reverse high unemployment and confront Britain's on-going
recession (Guardian). Although credited for the revival of the economy, she was
blamed for spurring a doubling in the relative poverty rate (Guardian). So a classic
view of the relationship between sociology and social policy is that sociology
empirically (observes) identifies social problems and brings about theoretical
solutions to causes. Politicians who want to ensure their policy is evidence‐based
will use the empirical data. In the examples included both reports go against the
Conservative government…
Outline and explain two views of the role of social policy in society (10 marks)
Evaluate different sociological perspectives’ views of the relationship between
sociology and social policy (20 marks) (BOOK)
One view is the social democratic perspective on social policy. This advocates a
major distribution of wealth and income from the rich to the poor (also reflecting
philanthropist views). Sociologist Townsend and others who adopt this belief argue
that they should be involved in researching social problems and making policies to
eradicate them. For example, Townsend conducted research on poverty. Through
his findings he recommends costly policies such as higher benefit levels, and more
public spending on health and education. Similarly, the Black Report made 37 far-
reaching policy recommendations for reducing these deep-rooted inequalities. This
included free-school meals for all children and more spending to improve housing.
The Labour government had originally commissioned the report but the Thatcher
government refused to implement due its cost and even tried to restrict its
publication which reflects the ideological and policy preferences of governments.
Thatcher intended to reverse high unemployment and confront Britain's on-going
recession (Guardian). Although credited for the revival of the economy, she was
blamed for spurring a doubling in the relative poverty rate (Guardian). So a classic
view of the relationship between sociology and social policy is that sociology
empirically (observes) identifies social problems and brings about theoretical
solutions to causes. Politicians who want to ensure their policy is evidence‐based
will use the empirical data. In the examples included both reports go against the
Conservative government…
