Social Policy Introduction

Definition of Policy

• A policy is a set of principles that govern given actions directed towards given ends (Titmuss, 1974)
• A policy is a purposive course of actions followed by an action in dealing with a problem or matter of concern (Anderson, 1979)
• A policy is a plan of action agreed to by a group of people with the power to carry it out and enforce it (Devon & Boyd, 2000)

What does Policy mean?

• A policy indicates what is to be done, who is to do it, how it is to be done, and for whom it is to be done

What Policies do...

• Outline rules
• Provide principles that guide actions
• Set roles and responsibilities
• Reflect values and beliefs
• State an intention to do something

Why a Policy may have to be Developed or Changed

• Basic needs are not being met
• People have been treated unfairly
• Current policies or laws are not enforced or effective
• Proposed changes in policies and laws would be harmful
• Existing or emerging conditions pose a threat to public health, safety, education, or well-being

Where Policies are Used

• Personal policy: the set of standards you use to guide your own decisions and actions
• Organizational policy: guides how organizations and businesses operate
• Public policy: occurs at all levels of government to address specific issues or problems

Common Features to All Good Policies

• It states matters of principle
• It is an authoritative statement made by a person or body with power to do so
• It is focused on action, stating what is to be done and by whom

Social Policy

• Social policy refers to the actions and decisions of government that contribute to the wellbeing of the population and individuals (Alcock, 2010)
• Social policy is concerned with the ways societies across the world meet human needs for security, education, work, health, and wellbeing
• Social policy addresses how states and societies respond to challenges of social, demographic, and economic change, and of poverty, migration, and globalisation

Social Policy as an Academic Discipline

• Social policy is an applied, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary subject
• Social policy is designed to reflect on the ways in which different societies have developed ways of meeting these needs, or have failed to do so

Social Policy as an Area of Practice

• Policy making process: agenda setting, formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation
• Policy implementation process: responsible agents, stakeholders, and time frame

Primary Implementation Areas of Social Policy

• Social security
• Health
• Education
• Housing
• Employment
• Migration

Uses of Social Policy

• As a philosophical concept representing the principle whereby political entities and large organisations seek enduring solutions to the problems that affect them
• As a product referring to the conclusions reached by those who concern themselves with the betterment of community and social conditions and social life generally
• As a process which, through its products, seeks to promote and maintain stability whilst improving conditions
• As a plan for action, it assumes the presence of well-developed guidelines within a context to achieve the goal of improving a social situation