Lecture Notes, Lectures 1-9 - Professor: Dr. Tim Mcneill PDF

Preview

Summary

Professor: Dr. Tim McNeill...

Description

Social Policy

Lecture 1

01.21.16

What is Social Policy? Mainstream Definition 1. “Social policy is a broad term encompassing not only social welfare but other activities of government affecting social life. Marriage and divorce legislation and support to culture and the arts are examples of social policy that lie beyond the field of social welfare. The term is also linked with ‘economic policy’. In this sense, it usually contrasts a concern for people with a concern for economic issues and growth.” (Armitage, 1988, p. 266). a. This textbook thinks government is the only party involved, which is wrong. 2. “Social Policy is focused on those aspects of the economy, society and polity that are necessary to human existence and the means by which they can be provided. These basic human needs include: food and shelter, a sustainable and safe environment, the promotion of health and treatment of the sick, the care and support of those unable to live a fully independent life; and the education and training of individuals to a level that enables them fully to participate in their society” (LSE Website) a. This is the better definition because it leads us to believe that social policy effects everything

Four key assumptions in mainstream social policy 1. The government has responsibility to meet the needs of the less fortunate members of society. a. Yes, the government should have the responsibility to take care of the less fortunate, but this lets all of us off the hook. “I’m an individual so therefore I don’t have to take care of society because that’s the job of the government” 2. The state has a right to intervene in areas of individual freedom and economic liberty. 3. Governmental and/or public intervention is necessary when existing social institutions fail to fulfill their obligations. a. If a wife is being abused, we think the government has the right to send someone in and rescue her from her abuser 4. Public policies create social impacts, the consequences of which become the moral obligation of government to act upon

In this (mainstream) view… There are multiple debates about when, how, and if, government should intervene in these areas:         

Social Welfare Environmental Protection/clean-up Poverty Alleviation Child Welfare Human Rights (Syrian Military Oppression) Health Cultural Preservation Education 1

Social Policy

    

Lecture 1

01.21.16

o Should the government be paying for our education? Should they pay more? Economic Development Humanitarian assistance All of these things are PART of social policy. But the above definition is NOT enough. Why? o It assumes that government is the only entity that does social policy. But, social policy is also enacted by: o Business o Civil society

Business 

Advertising o One of the purposes of advertising is to change the feelings, wants, and opinions of society o Corporate Social Responsibility and charity programs

Civil Society 



 Individuals  Social Movements Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) o “Amnesty International is a global movement of over 3 million people committed to defending those who are denied justice or freedom” o “The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. Community Organizations

Another Issue with the Mainstream Social Policy 

  

ALL POLICY IS SOCIAL POLICY o mainstream social policy is only a circumscribed field (usually welfare, health, education) o The economy, however, is a socially constructed field in which people interact socially o Defense policy is predicated on social categories and social fears, and has serious social consequences All policy has taken place in and between social institutions (market, government, health care, culture) All policy must be understood in relation to the social interactions of people All policy has social causes and consequences

2

Social Policy

Lecture 1

01.21.16

Summary 



New definition of social policy: a plan of action implemented by government, business, or civil society for the purpose of influencing the structure of society, the distribution of resources in society, or the working of social institutions such as government, family, culture, health care, education, or markets. When you decide to do something to change the way the world is

3...