Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
www.curriculum-press.co.uk
Number 48
This report had a major impact upon how British society changed
following World War II. The country had been badly affected by
the war and five evil giants were identified as major obstacles in
the development of the country. These five evil giants were
squalor, disease, ignorance, idleness and want. In other words,
major improvements were required in housing, health, education,
and employment opportunities, whilst poverty needed to be
reduced. Many policies therefore focussed on these issues. The
fact that the welfare state has remained in place shows one of two
things for sociologists that either the welfare state has not been
successful in making the necessary changes, or that it has gone too
far and has led to society being dependent on the state. Some
argue that the welfare state has led to a dependency culture existing
in Britain.
Activity
In what ways has the welfare state been successful in making
the necessary changes to improve family life? In what ways has
the welfare state led to a dependency culture in Britain? Draw
up a table with these headings and add your views and then
discuss these with others and add their views to your list
Just recently, the Department for Education and Skills has been
given a new name and expanded role. The creation of the
Department for Children, Schools and Families suggests that the
current government believe that to make a better society for the
children of today, family life and education should not be treated
as two separate areas of life.
Key studies
Gittens (1993) argues that families and individuals have been
more and more affected by legislation as society has developed
and the role of the state increased throughout modern industrial
society.
Activity
Access the Department for Children, Schools and Families
website to find out more about their role.
The policies of the state are considered in the study of the family to
a great extent. The main point that comes up time and time again
from the work of sociologists researching family life is that the
family is considered to be in the private sphere of society, yet it is
influenced immensely by public policy. There is concern therefore
over whether the family is as it would be naturally, or whether it is
socially constructed, that is created by society and the rules by
which we are told to live by. The provision of the welfare state is
one that can be seen by sociologists as either supporting the family
and individuals, or as a mechanism to control families and
individuals.
Activity
In what ways does the welfare state support families and in
what ways does it control families? Draw up a table with the
following headings and add your views and then discuss these
with others and add their views to your list
What are the main ways in which the government influences family
life?
1. Key legislation on marriage, divorce and sexuality.
2. Benefits - Child benefit (universal); Working Tax
and Child tax credit (means- tested); maternity
and paternity pay; carers allowance; income
support; New Deal for lone parents.
Sociology Factsheet
www.curriculum-press.co.uk
Activity
Find out more about how these benefits help families at
www.direct.gov.uk. Do you think that any of these benefits
create a dependency culture?
Activity
Investigate more about the CSA. What are their prime aims and
why is the focus changing?
The policies of New Labour tend to focus on money and
employment as being fundamental. This connects to New Labours
target of eliminating child poverty by 2020.
How does family life link with education in terms of social policy?
Sure Start
These centres were set up initially in the most disadvantaged areas
but have more recently been expanded to other areas. They aim to
deliver early education, health education and family services.
Services include nursery places, parenting skills classes, ante-natal
classes, nutrition sessions and toddler groups.
The New Right believe that the introduction of the welfare state
led to a culture where people depend on handouts from the state
and that these encourage single parency, which in turn, they
argue leads to deviancy and a decline in morality.
What impact might this have upon families when children reach
age 16?
NEW LABOUR
for children
- to engage parents
- to tackle barriers to learning
- a focus on early years
Exam Hint:- In the exam, you may be asked to explain policies or changes in the law that had an impact on family life. Remember,
when writing about family and social policy, remember that all types of households should be considered the types of household
that are often omitted in answers are single person households and the elderly. When providing definitions of a key concept, give
an example that backs up your definition. This shows that you can apply your understanding to society, rather than just remembering
a definition.
Sociology Factsheet
www.curriculum-press.co.uk