Social Policy and the Family

Why do you think that the family is so central to government policy? 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. 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) 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. 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. 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. 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)