The impact of social policies on family structure and dynamics... Show more
Sociology
Combined Science
English Literature
BiologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
1,547
•
31 Dec 2025
•
How Social Policy Changes Families
K
Katie Donaghy
@katiedonaghy_4
Social Policy and the Family
Social policies, implemented by state bodies and based on government laws, have significant impacts on family life. These impacts can be both direct, through specific family-oriented laws, and indirect, through broader social and economic policies.
Definition: Social policies are measures taken by state bodies, such as schools and welfare agencies, based on laws introduced by the government.
The effects of social policies on families can be categorized as follows:
-
Direct effects: Policies specifically aimed at family life, such as laws on marriage, divorce, child protection, contraception, and abortion.
-
Indirect effects: Policies on other social or economic issues that indirectly impact families. For example, compulsory schooling provides childcare and extends children's financial dependence.
Example: Compulsory schooling is an indirect policy that affects families by providing childcare and keeping children financially dependent for longer periods.
The document outlines several perspectives on social policy and the family:
Functionalism
The Functionalist perspective on family and government policies views society as based on value consensus. Key points include:
- The state acts in the interests of the whole society, with policies benefiting everyone.
- There is a 'march of progress' - policies are gradually improving family life.
- The welfare state enables families to better care for their members through access to services like the NHS.
The New Right
The New Right is a conservative political perspective that significantly influences social policy. New Right views on welfare and family dependence include:
- Opposition to state intervention in family life.
- Belief in the traditional nuclear family as 'natural' and based on biological division of labor.
- Criticism of family diversity, viewing single-parent and same-sex families as potentially damaging to children.
- Opposition to generous welfare benefits, arguing they create a 'dependency culture'.
Highlight: The New Right criticizes welfare policies for undermining family self-reliance and creating a 'dependency culture' where individuals rely on state support.
The New Right's influence on policies is evident in:
- Conservative governments (1979-97): Banned promotion of homosexuality, established the Child Support Agency.
- Current Conservative party: Divided between modernizers and traditionalists.
- New Labour governments (1997-2010): Favored married, heterosexual couples as the best environment for child-rearing.
Feminism
Feminist perspectives argue that social policies often shape family life in ways that benefit men and maintain patriarchy. Key points include:
- Policies often assume the patriarchal family as the norm.
- Examples like longer maternity leave compared to paternity leave reinforce women's responsibility for childcare.
Gender Regimes
The concept of 'gender regimes' describes how social policies in different countries can encourage or discourage gender equality in the family:
- Familistic gender regimes: Assume traditional gender division (e.g., Greece).
- Individualistic gender regimes: Treat husbands and wives equally (e.g., Sweden).
Vocabulary: Gender regimes refer to the way social policies in different countries either encourage or discourage gender equality within families.
Recent trends show a move towards individualistic gender regimes in most European Union countries. However, the global recession since 2008 has put pressure on women to take more responsibility for family care. There is also a trend towards neoliberal welfare policies, encouraging market-based solutions rather than state support.
Quote: "Since the global recession (2008), cutbacks in govt spending had put pressure on women to take more responsibility for caring for family members."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Family Diversity
Most popular content in Sociology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
How Social Policy Changes Families
K
Katie Donaghy
@katiedonaghy_4
The impact of social policies on family structure and dynamics is a complex interplay of direct and indirect effects. Social policy impact on family structureis evident through laws on marriage, divorce, and child protection, as well as broader economic... Show more
Social Policy and the Family
Social policies, implemented by state bodies and based on government laws, have significant impacts on family life. These impacts can be both direct, through specific family-oriented laws, and indirect, through broader social and economic policies.
Definition: Social policies are measures taken by state bodies, such as schools and welfare agencies, based on laws introduced by the government.
The effects of social policies on families can be categorized as follows:
-
Direct effects: Policies specifically aimed at family life, such as laws on marriage, divorce, child protection, contraception, and abortion.
-
Indirect effects: Policies on other social or economic issues that indirectly impact families. For example, compulsory schooling provides childcare and extends children's financial dependence.
Example: Compulsory schooling is an indirect policy that affects families by providing childcare and keeping children financially dependent for longer periods.
The document outlines several perspectives on social policy and the family:
Functionalism
The Functionalist perspective on family and government policies views society as based on value consensus. Key points include:
- The state acts in the interests of the whole society, with policies benefiting everyone.
- There is a 'march of progress' - policies are gradually improving family life.
- The welfare state enables families to better care for their members through access to services like the NHS.
The New Right
The New Right is a conservative political perspective that significantly influences social policy. New Right views on welfare and family dependence include:
- Opposition to state intervention in family life.
- Belief in the traditional nuclear family as 'natural' and based on biological division of labor.
- Criticism of family diversity, viewing single-parent and same-sex families as potentially damaging to children.
- Opposition to generous welfare benefits, arguing they create a 'dependency culture'.
Highlight: The New Right criticizes welfare policies for undermining family self-reliance and creating a 'dependency culture' where individuals rely on state support.
The New Right's influence on policies is evident in:
- Conservative governments (1979-97): Banned promotion of homosexuality, established the Child Support Agency.
- Current Conservative party: Divided between modernizers and traditionalists.
- New Labour governments (1997-2010): Favored married, heterosexual couples as the best environment for child-rearing.
Feminism
Feminist perspectives argue that social policies often shape family life in ways that benefit men and maintain patriarchy. Key points include:
- Policies often assume the patriarchal family as the norm.
- Examples like longer maternity leave compared to paternity leave reinforce women's responsibility for childcare.
Gender Regimes
The concept of 'gender regimes' describes how social policies in different countries can encourage or discourage gender equality in the family:
- Familistic gender regimes: Assume traditional gender division (e.g., Greece).
- Individualistic gender regimes: Treat husbands and wives equally (e.g., Sweden).
Vocabulary: Gender regimes refer to the way social policies in different countries either encourage or discourage gender equality within families.
Recent trends show a move towards individualistic gender regimes in most European Union countries. However, the global recession since 2008 has put pressure on women to take more responsibility for family care. There is also a trend towards neoliberal welfare policies, encouraging market-based solutions rather than state support.
Quote: "Since the global recession (2008), cutbacks in govt spending had put pressure on women to take more responsibility for caring for family members."
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
27
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Family Diversity
Most popular content in Sociology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user