Social Welfare Services & Issues

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary aim of social policy formulation?

To ensure economic growth above all else

To promote the quality of human life (correct)

To restrict government intervention in civil matters

To eliminate all forms of social welfare programs

Which level of policy is associated with the broader laws or values governing welfare services?

Unit-level policy

Macro-level policy (correct)

Mezzo-level policy

Micro-level policy

What is the role of practitioners at the micro-level of policy?

To develop broader laws and regulations

To directly implement services to clients (correct)

To engage in political lobbying for social causes

To conduct policy analysis and evaluation

Which model of policy planning focuses on gradual changes rather than large-scale shifts?

Incremental Model Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does social policy address when it aims to 'introduce social concern into non-welfare realms'?

Integration of social issues within various sectors Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in Schmidt, Shelley & Bardes' model of the policy making process?

Agenda building Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the stages in Gilbert & Terrell's 8 stages of the policy process?

Policy adjustment Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in the Rational Planning Model?

Logical step in policy planning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the 'agenda evaluation' phase in Schmidt, Shelley & Bardes' model?

Assessing if the policy has the desired impact Signup and view all the answers

According to Gilbert & Terrell, what is a crucial aspect of 'problem identification'?

Recognizing shortcomings in current policies Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'implementation' stage entail in Gilbert & Terrell's model?

Ensuring bureaucratic compliance Signup and view all the answers

What is the final stage in Schmidt, Shelley & Bardes' policy making process?

Policy evaluation Signup and view all the answers

In the Rational Planning Model, what is the purpose of 'goal setting'?

To define the desired outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily evaluated in an assessment process?

The alignment of outcomes with objectives Signup and view all the answers

Which model highlights the influence of powerful economic interests in policy-making?

Power Elite Model Signup and view all the answers

The Incremental Model of policy planning is characterized by which of the following?

Minor adjustments leading to policy evolution Signup and view all the answers

In the context of policy-making, what is meant by 'external system'?

The surrounding societal and resource environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following models suggests that policy arises from competition among groups?

Pluralist / Group Model Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of problem analysis in policy planning?

To develop factual data about the magnitude and severity of the problem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be a specific objective of policy goals?

Changing attitudes towards employment through compulsory skill training Signup and view all the answers

What role does historical context play in policy-making?

It provides a basis for understanding future policies. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is emphasized by the Power Elite Model as influential in policy decisions?

The distribution and application of power Signup and view all the answers

Which step in the policy planning process involves drafting concrete programmes?

Programme design Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for maintaining public support during the policy change process?

Identification of supportive groups in the broader system Signup and view all the answers

What does the assessment of policy outcomes aim to explain?

Differences between resources and needs Signup and view all the answers

During the implementation phase, what must often be clarified further?

Policy goals/objectives Signup and view all the answers

Why is informing the public necessary in the policy planning process?

To cultivate a supporting base for improvements Signup and view all the answers

In the context of policy objectives, what could be an example of regulating behavior?

Mandating attendance for skill training Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the goals of developing policy objectives?

To assist those in need by providing essential services Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Executive Council play in the policy-making process in Hong Kong?

It lays down general policy direction for long-term policies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Process Model in policy-making?

It stresses the importance of institutions and the socio-economic environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of social welfare within a capitalist society?

To serve as a secondary redistribution system of social resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of analysis involves evaluating different policy options based on their outcomes?

Choices Analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which group is responsible for monitoring government activities in Hong Kong?

Legislative Council Panels Signup and view all the answers

What principle primarily governs the redistribution of resources through social welfare?

Social justice Signup and view all the answers

Which actor is NOT typically involved in the policy-making process in Hong Kong?

Private businesses Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of social welfare as described in the process?

To address social problems and improve individual well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What does equity in social policy refer to?

Fair treatment based on individual merit or need Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes adequacy in social policy?

Ensuring a minimum standard of well-being Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of equality of opportunity?

Offering equal starting conditions for individuals in society Signup and view all the answers

Which type of need reflects what individuals believe they require?

Felt need Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of less eligibility imply in equity?

Conditions for receiving benefits should be lower than the lowest wage Signup and view all the answers

How does a need-based claim function in social policy?

It identifies a class of needs requiring government intervention Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of justice addresses the distribution of income and resources?

Distributive justice Signup and view all the answers

Which concept implies a basic level of need satisfaction for all individuals?

Adequacy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social welfare institutions are established by policies and laws, with programs and services provided by voluntary (private) and governmental (public) agencies.
Social policy is a government's actions directly impacting citizens' welfare by providing services or income, improving the welfare of the civil population.
In a broad sense, social policy is a purposeful act to promote human life quality.
Social policy formulation is made for specific purposes:
- Realizing desirable social goals through service programs (e.g., social security).
- Addressing social problems of alarming proportions (e.g., pollution, domestic violence).
- Introducing social concern into non-welfare realms.

Multiple Levels of Policy Practice

Macro-level policy: Broad laws and values forming the framework for service provision (e.g., white papers, five-year plans, long-term housing policies).
Mezzo-level policy: Administrative policies created by organizations to guide their operations, responding to macro-level policy.
Micro-level policy: Practitioners translating macro and mezzo-level policy into client services, operating as "street-level bureaucrats."

Different Models of Policy Planning

Rational Planning Model:
- Driven by logic and aimed at optimal strategies for achieving goals.
- Emphasizes logical steps: goal setting, identifying alternatives, evaluating means, and implementing decisions.
Power Elite Model:
- Suggests policies are shaped by the powerful few (powerful economic interests, rich).
- Decisions are influenced by the distribution and application of power.
Pluralist/Group Model:
- Policies are the result of competition among groups.
- Interest groups and bureaucracies influence the agenda and implement policies.
Incremental Model:
- Policy evolves through small, incremental changes.
- Agreement is easily achieved when changes are minimal.
Process Model:
- Stresses institutions and socioeconomic-political environments.
- Includes inputs, outputs, outcomes, and policy environments.
Schmidt, Shelley & Bardes (2005): 5-step policy making process
- Agenda Building: Identifying problems.
- Agenda Formation: Public debate.
- Agenda Adoption: Strategy selection.
- Agenda Implementation: Policy administration.
- Agenda Evaluation: Assessing impact.
Heffernan (1992): 6-stage policy process
- Problem definition
- Policy formation
- Policy selection
- Policy implementation
- Policy evaluation
- Policy adjustment
Gilbert & Terrell (2002): 8-stage policy process
- Problem identification
- Problem analysis
- Informing the public
- Developing policy goals/objectives
- Building public support
- Programme design
- Implementation
- Evaluation & assessment

Policy Planning Process Details

Problem Identification: Awareness of a problem drives policy change:
- Politically significant problem impacting a large number of people, or with significant people, capable of being improved by the government.
Problem Analysis: Gathering detailed information about a problem, including its magnitude, severity, and affected population.
Informing the Public: Cultivating broad support for desired change through engagement and communication.
Development of Policy Goals/ Objectives: Establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, such as self-reliance of the employable poor
Building Public Support & Legitimacy: Mobilising political and stakeholder support for policies.
Programme Design: Drafting concrete programmes, including operational guidelines and financial/staff structures
Implementation: Executing the policy itself, clarifying policy objectives for broader application
Evaluation & Assessment: Evaluating how successful the policies are. Determining whether the intended outcomes are realised and whether any adjustments are needed

Policy Choices

Policy choices are made within an institutional context, involving multiple institutions and personnel.
Understanding the rules of choice of each party (President, legislators, bureaucrats) is important.
Policy is often a continuation of previous activity, shaping present considerations.

Actors Involved in Policy Making

In Hong Kong: Executive Council (lays down general policy), Legislative Council (legislation), Different Panels of Legislative Council, Various Advisory Committees (e.g., Social Welfare), Different Bureaus (e.g., Labour & Welfare).
Related Organizations: Commercial Chambers, NGOs, Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Professional bodies (e.g., social workers' associations), Pressure groups, political parties, and citizens/service users.

Methods of Policy Analysis

Content analysis
Choices analysis
Process analysis
Historical analysis
Comparative analysis

Social needs, wants, preferences
Social problems
Equality, equity, adequacy
Right and liberty
Efficiency, effectiveness
Social justice

Defining Needs

Taxonomy of need (Bradshaw):
- Felt need
- Expressed need
- Normative need
- Expertly defined need
- Comparative need

Wants and Preferences

Wants are more inclusive than needs.
Needs are more basic and essential than wants.
Preferences are revealed when choices are available. Preferences represent actions associated with need or want.

Equality, Equity, and Adequacy

Equality: Numerical equality – equal distribution to all. Benefits equally distributed to equalize resources and outcomes. However, egalitarianism may undermine work incentives. A distinction between outcome and opportunity equality exists.
Equity: Fair share proportional to merit or need. Principle of less eligibility (consideration of least eligible).
Adequacy: Standard of living, physical and spiritual well-being. Varying standards according to time and circumstances (horizontal vs vertical adequacy).

Rights

Legitimacy of individual claims to social benefits/services.
Need-based claims (basic needs) or deserve-based claims (contributions).

Liberty

Freedom from unnecessary force, ability to act according to one's will.
Individualist vs collectivist views on liberty (balance between individual freedom and societal interests).
Positive liberty (possibility of acting), negative liberty (absence of constraints or barriers).

Efficiency vs Effectiveness

Efficiency: Making the most of resources, considering both benefits and opportunity costs.
Effectiveness: Achieving desired outcomes from the service process.

Different interpretations of social justice based on distinct philosophical schools of thought (e.g., Utilitarianism, Liberalism, Communitarianism).

Frameworks of Policy Analysis

Framework of policy analysis: The framework outlines policy choices considerations involving theories, alternatives, finance, delivery, provision, and allocations.
Dimensions of policy choice: Factors including to whom benefits are offered, the benefits offered, and methods of delivery and financing.

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Description

Explore the key concepts in social welfare services and the issues surrounding them through this quiz. Learn about the impact of social policies on citizens' welfare and the various levels of policy practice, including macro and mezzo policies. Test your understanding of how these elements work together to improve social outcomes.

Social Welfare Services & Issues - Lecture 3

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