Sociology and Social Policy (Sociology Theory & Methods)

Summary

This video explores the complex relationship between sociology and social policy, highlighting key theoretical perspectives such as functionalism, Marxism, feminism, realism, and the new right. It discusses how these perspectives influence the development of social policies while also examining the reasons for sociology's limited impact on policymaking, including ideological clashes, implementation costs, and governmental reliance on think tanks. The video provides examples of how sociological research has shaped policies in areas like crime prevention and education, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of sociology in addressing social issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sociology's relationship with social policy is a key debate, with differing views on whether sociology should inform policy.
• 😀 Some sociologists, like Warsley, argue that sociology can exist independently of social issues.
• 😀 Brewer contends that sociology is well-suited to investigate and address social problems, advocating for sociologists' intervention in policy formation.
• 😀 Different theoretical perspectives, such as functionalism, Marxism, and feminism, hold distinct views on the role of sociology in informing social policy.
• 😀 Functionalism traditionally supports social policy to promote stability but has evolved to prioritize personal responsibility in response to changing societal values.
• 😀 Marxists are skeptical about the ruling class's influence on social policy, viewing laws as primarily protecting elite interests.
• 😀 Feminism presents a divided perspective on social policy, with radical feminists critiquing policies as reinforcing traditional roles, while liberal feminists advocate for change through legal reforms.
• 😀 Realist theories, both left and right, emphasize the role of sociology in providing practical solutions to social problems.
• 😀 Ideological clashes, implementation costs, and governmental methodology impact how sociology informs social policy.
• 😀 Despite challenges, there are examples of sociology influencing policy, particularly in areas like crime prevention, education, and healthcare.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video on sociology and social policy?

The video explores the relationship between sociology and social policy, discussing whether sociology should inform social policy and the perspectives of various sociological theories on this matter.

What is the stance of some sociologists, like Warsley, regarding the connection between sociology and social issues?

Some sociologists, such as Warsley, argue that sociology does not always need to focus on social issues, suggesting that research into areas like family identity and culture may not be linked to national importance.

How do functionalists view the relationship between sociology and social policy?

Functionalists have a contradictory attitude; while early sociologists like Durkheim believed that studying society could help improve it, later functionalists became wary of social policies that threatened traditional values.

What do Marxists believe about the role of sociology in informing social policy?

Marxists believe that sociology should inform social change but are cautious of ruling class involvement in social policy, viewing laws as mechanisms that often serve elite interests rather than the public good.

What is the feminist perspective on sociology and social policy?

Feminism is divided; radical feminists argue that social policies often reinforce patriarchal control, while liberal feminists see potential in lobbying for changes that have positively affected women's rights.

What role do realist theories play in the context of sociology and social policy?

Realist theories, both left and right, view sociology as providing solutions to real societal problems and have influenced crime prevention policies in the UK and USA.

Why might sociology not inform social policy according to the video?

Reasons include ideological clashes between sociologists and governments, the high costs of implementing sociological recommendations, and the preference for policies that appeal to broader voting populations.

What impact does globalization have on the formulation of social policies?

Globalization can dictate government policies based on the demands of international organizations, which often prioritize economic development over social issues, influencing local social policies.

Can you give examples of how sociologists have influenced social policy?

Yes, examples include the influence of left and right realist theories on crime policies, the new right's impact on education and health care, and Anthony Giddens' influence on new labor's social policies.

What are think tanks, and how do they relate to the formulation of social policy?

Think tanks are groups of experts that advise governments on policy proposals, often having closer connections to lawmakers than sociologists, which can lead to their ideas being prioritized over sociological research.