The Importance of Social Policy - Essay Example

Blakemore and Griggs (2007) offer two types of definitions with respect to social policy. One of the definitions given in relation to this concept suggests that social policy is an academic subject in the field of research and study. Social policy is likewise defined as the different sets of policies promulgated in order to have an impact on the ‘real world’ (Blakemore & Griggs, 2007). It is in this regard that the governments, businesses and voluntary organisations tend to promulgate policies that have a significant effect on the families and individuals.

In order to understand the concept of social policies, Blakemore and Griggs (2007) deem it of paramount importance to define policies. The other definition given to the term social policy, on the other hand, shows that the principles thereof serve as the guiding ideas that influence the policies promulgated with respect to social welfare, education, health services, etc. The principles that are usually embedded onto the discussion of social policy are as follows: (1) equality, (2) equity, (3) need, (4) freedom and (5) rights (Blakemore & Griggs, 2007).

To ensure a better understanding of these principles and the concept of social policy, the researcher deems it of paramount importance to discuss these in relation to what Blakemore & Griggs (2007) have written in relation to the need to take the said principles into consideration. Equality, Equity and Justice. The principle of equality, equity and justice plays an important role in the development of social policies. According to Blakemore and Griggs (2007), social policies have often been perceived as the necessary tools and mechanisms by which a fairer society is created by ensuring the equalization of benefits coming from health, education and other similar services. Needs. Aside from equality, equity and justice, needs are also important principles that must be considered in the development of social policies (Blakemore & Griggs, 2007).

In developing the appropriate social policy, Blakemore and Griggs (2007) mention that it is important to ascertain the needs of the people to whom the former is addressed. In addition, to ensure that the goals of social policy are properly met, it is likewise necessary that the policy makers be able to determine which between two groups have greater needs (Blakemore & Griggs, 2007). Freedom and Rights. Finally, Blakemore and Griggs (2007) also consider freedom and rights as among the guiding principles of social policy.

Verily, these two authors argue that the development of social policies must give paramount consideration to the lives, rights and freedom of the people. Without consideration for these, there is a tendency for the social policy to fail in terms of meeting its goals (Blakemore & Griggs, 2007). Hill, M.J. 2003. Understanding social policy. Wiley-Blackwell, UK. Hill (2003) adopts a previous definition of