Social Policy
Feminism
Social Democratic
Functionalism/Positivism
Marxism
Comte and Durkheim argues that the state serves the interest of society producing rational policies for good.
The sociologists role is to investigate social problems scientifically
They favour social policies that are referred to 'piecemeal social engineering' - tackling one specific issue at a time
Criticisms ❌
Marxists argue that educational policies are defeating the influence of poverty in wider society. The basic social structure needs to be changed
Townsend (1979) argues that sociologists should be involved in researching social problems and making policy recommendations.
The Black Report on class inequalities in health made 37 recommendations. However, the conservative government refused to publish findings on the grounds of the cost.
Criticisms ❌
Marxists argues that all social policies are down to Capitalism not just down to health and we should sort this out by abolishing Capitalism not use the Black Report
The sociologist's main role should be to criticise capitalism
Criticisms ❌
Impractical and unrealistic, rejecting the idea that sociological research can help
Policies provide ideological legitimation by masking capitalist exploitation
Maintain labour force for further exploitation
Preventing revolution when class conflict intensifies and threatens the stability of exploitation
They see society as based on conflict.
Liberal feminism has influenced policies such as teacher training
Radical feminism favour policies to promote separatism - the idea that women need to separate themselves from men
New Right
Sociologists should propose alternative to restore responsiblity
Charles Murray (1984) argues that generous welfare weaken family's self reliance.
However, the quality of social research has been questioned