Social Policy and the Family
Why do you think that the family is so central
to government policy?
 David Morgan (Sociology Review)
- Concerns about levels of government
expenditure and the extent of state provision
- Long term unemployment
- Rising divorce rates
- Increasing crime
- Economic growth
The social engineering of society
 This refers to the attempt to mould society to
reflect your interests
 E.g. A ruler/government who believed people
should take responsibility for themselves would
have few or low benefits, or may have no welfare
state at all.
 The policies within the society would reflect the
dominant ideology
What ideology on the family is being
reinforced from the following policies?
 A lack of quality affordable nursery provision
 A lack of state funded elderly care homes
 Financial responsibilities of fathers reinforced
through Child Support Agency
 Lack of benefit entitlement for a woman living with
a man
 Recognition of same sex marriages (Civil
partnerships)
 Changes in the Divorce Law making it quicker an
cheaper
Present/Future policy
 Extended paternity pay and leave
 Flexible maternity pay and leave with ability
to share between mother and father
 1 million new childcare places
 15 hours per week free nursery education
 same-sex "civil partnerships" granted the
same tax advantages enjoyed by married
couples
In Britain there has been conflict between Left and
Right ideas.
New Right (Conservative) had very traditional
views on what the family should be. (Nuclear)
However they believed that the family should
support its members with little interference from
the state.
The Left (Traditional Labour) support the
nuclear family as the ideal but they
recognise the value of alternative forms.
Left wing policies are much more focussed
on supporting family members through the
welfare state.
Essay question
 How far does social policy directed at
the family, reflect and support the
traditional view of the family?
(24 marks)