15 Social Policy and the Family (NL/NR Influence, Feminism & Gender Regimes)

Summary

This video explores the impact of neoliberal and new right ideologies on social policy regarding feminism and family structures, tracing changes from Margaret Thatcher's government in 1979 through subsequent administrations. It discusses how policies have historically favored traditional family models and the implications for gender equality, highlighting the shift in focus under New Labour and the Coalition government. The video critiques the persistent patriarchal assumptions in policy-making while acknowledging progress such as the Equal Pay Act and same-sex marriage. It emphasizes the need for policies that reflect diverse family structures and promote genuine gender equality.

Takeaways

• 😀 The influence of neoliberal and new right thought on social policy in the UK began with Margaret Thatcher's government in 1979.
• 😀 Thatcher's administration promoted traditional views on family, opposing the normalization of homosexuality and framing divorce as a social problem.
• 😀 The Labour government under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown attempted to integrate progressive ideas into the dominant neoliberal discourse.
• 😀 New Labour policies included marriage promotion and the means-testing of welfare benefits, which targeted poverty but also reflected traditional values.
• 😀 The coalition government (2010-2015) struggled to balance modernizing policies with traditional neoliberal views, including the introduction of gay marriage.
• 😀 Current Prime Minister Theresa May's government continues the neoliberal new right approach, with limited progress in family policy amid Brexit concerns.
• 😀 Feminists argue that state policies often reinforce women's subordinate roles and traditional family structures, assuming a male breadwinner model.
• 😀 Gender regimes differ by country: family-based regimes assume traditional roles, while individualistic regimes promote equality and shared responsibilities.
• 😀 Despite some progress, such as the Equal Pay Act and protections for women, significant gender disparities and issues remain in social policy.
• 😀 The landscape of social policy is marked by ongoing debates about funding and supporting diverse family structures and gender equality.

Q & A

What was the significance of Margaret Thatcher's rise to power in 1979 regarding social policy?

Margaret Thatcher's rise marked a shift towards neoliberal and new right ideologies in social policy, promoting views that contrasted sharply with those of previous governments.

How did Thatcher's policies affect the perception of divorce in society?

Thatcher defined divorce as a social problem, associating it with various social ills, which influenced public attitudes and policies around family dynamics.

What changes did the New Labour government introduce in response to the neoliberal new right policies?

New Labour attempted to merge traditional neoliberal views with progressive ideas, such as promoting marriage and making adoption easier for same-sex couples.

What is meant by 'means-tested' welfare benefits, and how did this change under New Labour?

Means-tested benefits require individuals to prove their need to receive support, moving away from universal benefits that were available to all, focusing instead on the poorest in society.

What was a key policy introduced by the coalition government regarding same-sex couples?

The coalition government introduced gay marriage, reflecting a shift towards more progressive social policies, although it sparked debates about whether this was truly a progressive or traditional stance.

How do feminist perspectives view the impact of social policy on women?

Feminists argue that social policies often reinforce women's subordinate roles and fail to accommodate the diversity of family structures, perpetuating traditional gender roles.

What is the concept of 'gender regimes' as described by Drew?

Drew's concept of gender regimes categorizes family policies into 'familistic' regimes, which assume a male breadwinner model, and 'individualistic' regimes, which promote equality and shared responsibilities between partners.

What are some examples of policies that have improved women's positions in society?

Examples include the Equal Pay Act, the Sex Discrimination Act, and legal rights for gay marriage and lone parents, which have contributed to advancing women's rights.

What challenges remain in achieving gender equality according to the transcript?

Despite progress, challenges include the persistence of the gender pay gap and the need for policies that reflect the changing roles and diversity of families.

What does the term 'political discussion' refer to in the context of family policy?

Political discussion refers to the debates between traditionalist and progressive perspectives on who benefits from social policies and who bears the costs, highlighting conflicts in the approach to family policies.