SCHOOL FOR POLICY STUDIES

What is social policy or public policy?

Social policy has a major impact on your life whether you are aware of it or not.  Its effects can be seen in all aspects of our lives such as housing, health care, family policy,  social and criminal justice, child welfare and social care. Every day, governments and institutions around the globe make decisions about policy that will have an effect on how you and your family live your lives.  So, if you have you ever wondered about what really goes on behind the headlines and want to find out more about policy and its impact, the study and research of social policy can give you an excellent place to start looking for some answers.

The following definition should help you get a better idea of the subject. We have included some social policy lectures for you to listen to on this page as well.

Social policy ...

  • is unique in addressing as its core concern people's well being, both as individuals and members of society
  • is an interdisciplinary subject drawing on aspects of sociology, economics, geography, political science, history, law and philosophy
  • considers basic human needs and how society organises itself and responds to these
  • is sometimes referred to as public policy or public administration
  • looks behind the headlines at pressing topical issues such as NHS and welfare reform, poverty and social exclusion, crime and punishment, housing and urban change, health and ageing
  • assesses the way society tackles these concerns through the welfare state, the market, voluntary bodies, and the activities of individuals and their families
  • analyses and challenges policy practices in contemporary society, informs dissent, and encourages you to think critically and progressively about the society and world you live in
  • examines the policy process – how policy is shaped, made, and implemented – within both historical and current contexts
  • debates the future of welfare and the theories and ideologies that drive its provision such as social justice, need, risk, inequality and citizenship.

Some questions that you might consider in the study and research of social policy are:

  • How much would it cost to end world poverty?
  • Are we locking up too many prisoners?
  • Can the welfare state afford higher pensions?
  • What are the social and economic benefits of migration?
  • Why are some urban neighbourhoods persistently deprived, whereas others gentrifying?
  • How can violence against women be ended?
  • Should cannabis be legalised?
  • Can the market deliver social welfare?
  • Who makes policy?
  • Who should make policy?

Social policy lectures