The state and social policy as influences on the family

Introduction to the State and Social Policy

Welcome to one of the most interesting parts of Sociology! When we think about our families, we often think of them as private. However, the state (the government and its institutions) and social policy (the laws and actions governments take) have a huge impact on how our families look and behave. In this chapter, we will explore how the government "steps into" the family home and how different sociologists view this influence.

Don't worry if this seems a bit "political" at first! We are simply looking at how rules made by the government change the way people live together.

What is Social Policy?

Before we dive in, let's define our key terms:

Social Policy refers to the plans and actions of state agencies, such as the government, which are designed to tackle "social problems" or meet the needs of the population. These policies are often turned into laws.

Examples of social policies that influence families:

• Laws about who can get married (e.g., age limits).
• Laws that make it easier or harder to get a divorce.
• Financial support, like child benefits or tax breaks for married couples.
• Rules about education (e.g., how long children must stay in school).

Key Takeaway: Social policies act like a "script" that the state writes for families to follow. Some scripts encourage certain family types, while others try to change how family members treat each other.

How the State Influences the Family

The state doesn't just watch from the sidelines; it influences the family in two main ways:

1. Direct Influence

This is when the state passes laws that specifically target family life. For example, divorce laws directly change whether a family stays together as a nuclear unit or becomes a lone-parent or reconstituted (step) family.

2. Indirect Influence

This is when policies that aren't specifically about the family still end up changing it. For example, compulsory education means children are no longer "little workers" bringing home money; they become "dependants" who rely on their parents for a long time. This changes the balance of power and responsibility within the home.

Sociological Perspectives on State Policy

Sociologists disagree about whether the state’s influence on the family is a good thing. Let's look at the "Big Five" perspectives mentioned in your syllabus.

1. Functionalism: The State as a "Helping Hand"

Functionalists believe the state acts in the interest of society as a whole. They see social policies as a way to help the family perform its functions more effectively. For example, the state provides healthcare and education so that the family can focus on socialisation and emotional support.

Analogy: Think of the state as a mechanic. When the family "breaks down" (e.g., through poverty or illness), the state provides policies to fix it and get it running again for the benefit of society.

2. Marxism: The State as a "Tool of Capitalism"

Marxists are much more suspicious. They believe the state and its policies serve the interests of the ruling class (the bourgeoisie). They argue that social policies are designed to make sure the family keeps "reproducing" healthy, compliant workers for the capitalist system.

Example: Providing just enough financial support to keep families from revolting, but not enough to actually end poverty.

3. Feminism: The State as "Patriarchal"

Feminists argue that many social policies actually reinforce patriarchy (male dominance).
For example:

• Policies that assume the man is the main "breadwinner" and the woman is the "homemaker."
• Lack of affordable childcare can make it harder for women to work, keeping them dependent on men.

Note: Liberal feminists might argue that policies are slowly improving (e.g., laws against domestic violence), while Radical feminists believe the system is still fundamentally biased toward men.

4. The New Right: The State as a "Threat"

The New Right perspective is very critical of state intervention. They believe the traditional nuclear family (married mom and dad) is the best for society. They argue that too much state support (like welfare benefits) creates a "nanny state" where people become "dependent" on the government instead of working.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't confuse the New Right with Functionalism. While both love the nuclear family, Functionalists support state help, while the New Right thinks state help often ruins families by making them lazy or encouraging "broken homes."

5. Postmodernism: Policies and Choice

Postmodernists believe we live in a world of diversity and choice. They argue that social policies now reflect this by recognising many different family forms (like cohabitation or single-parent households). They don't see the state as following one single "plan," but rather reacting to the many different ways people choose to live today.

Quick Review: Summary Table

Use this table to keep the different views straight in your head!

Did You Know?

In some societies, the state has used "extreme" social policies to control family size. A famous example (though outside the core syllabus specifics) is China’s former "One Child Policy." This shows just how much power the state can have over our most private decisions!

Exam Tip: Question 2(b) or Section B Essays

When you are asked to evaluate the state's influence on the family, always try to "pair" your perspectives. If you explain the Functionalist view that the state helps the family, use the Marxist or Feminist view to "argue back" and show that the state might actually be controlling or harming certain groups.

Key Takeaways:

• The state uses social policy to influence family structures and roles.
• Policies can be direct (laws) or indirect (impact of other rules).
• Whether this is good or bad depends on which sociological "lens" (perspective) you use to look at it.