Assess the relationship between sociology and social policy
Assess the relationship between sociology and social policy (33 Marks) Social policy is the actions, plans and programmes of government bodies and agencies aim to deal with a problem or achieve a goal .e.g preventing crime and reducing poverty. Policies are often based on laws that provide the framework within which these agencies operate. Sociologist’s findings may sometimes influence social policies but many other factors also play a part, such as political ideologies and the availability of resources. This essay will assess the relationship between sociology and social policy. Social policies are generally introduced in the belief that they will in some way improve society by tackling social problems, particularly affecting the welfare of the population of the country where the policy is being introduced. However, some perspectives, such as the Marxists and Feminists, believe that social policy is not just about improving the welfare of citizens. They believe that the idea of social policy is more about social control, hindering rather than aiding individuals. Being a democratic society, it is in the Governments best interest to only introduce policy favourable to the electorate; after all, without the electorates backing all that would result is the undesirability of the party and a loss of power. Going forth, each individual party will hold a particular set of ideologies and findings introduced unto them are that do not hold similar are likely not to be accepted. These results can be manipulated to help them be accepted by the government or public. The cost of research and the sources for funding often prove detrimental to the influential effect sociologists have on social policy. Money affects the likelihood of findings being introduced. Sociological research can produce possible solutions to social problems but because of the often extravagant costs it is often unlikely that the research will take place. Governments, past and present often supply