Relationship between Social Problems and Social Policy-making Process - Essay Example

Relationship between Social Problems and Social Policy making Process and Introduction Many people are yet to understand the importance, the value and the essence of social policy. Some people have a misguided misconception that social policy is a burden to the state, regarding it as a disparaging and unnecessary load on the shoulders of the society. Others further believe that social policies are a tool of undermining the entrepreneurial spirit that should be cultivated in people (Blakemore and Louise, 2013). It has been termed by others as a discouragement of work and savings, and promotes a huge but unnecessary dependence on the arms of the governing bodies. However, a wide body of research that has been provided in the recent past has shown that social policy, indeed, is a necessary tool for the well being of any society. With proper programs and sound planning, social policy has a lot of advantages and proves effective in promoting the society, and in improving the lives of society members (Chapin, 2014). Social policies should not be seen as a burden inherited from one regime to another but rather, should be seen as a role and responsibility that one regime inherits from a previous one, all aimed at enhancing the well being of the society. Social policy refers to all laid down philosophies, conventions, regulations and even activities that all have an effect or influence on the quality of living conditions on human beings (Ginsberg and Jullie, 2005). To a greater extent, social policy can be described as actions that are undertaken and have an effect on any individuals’ lives by monitoring the distribution and right to have and use the goods and the resources that are available in the society. The importance of social policy cannot be under looked. However, it is important to note that the role that social policies play does not make it a mechanism of human altruism. Social policy, therefore, is pertinent for any growth and well-being of any society. It promotes social relations that are imperative for the whole society’s well being. Relationship between social problems and social policy process Presently, the process and development of policy making has greatly changed and taken a whole new angle. An in-depth analysis of developments in social policy through time reveals much about the relationship between social problems and the social policy making process. Social problems have become an issue of concern to every nation. There are many social problems in the society, but their intensity varies depending on the economy, political development and the social status of any particular society. Some examples of social problems include health crises, unemployment, HIV/AIDS pandemics, lack of proper housing, lack of old age and social welfare among others (Reinhardt, Meadows and Gilette, 2012). These are some of the issues that social policy is expected to address. As earlier mentioned, the social policy making process has an undeniable relationship with social problems. Two examples that shall be used to justify the above statement are poverty and demographic change. Relationship between poverty and social policy Poverty is an issue that many nations in the world are determinedly fighting to eradicate. In the U.K, the ratio of people in the poverty bracket to that in the opposite side is very worrying, currently at a ratio of 75: 25. (Alcock, 2008; Blakemore and Louise, 2013). This translates to mean that the government has a big task to play in addressing this situation. Poor people are usually the most disadvantaged in any society. They are rarely involved in policies and decision making, they have limited channels to have their opinions heard and even lesser chances of fighting for their rights (Claeys, 2001). This means that policies should be set that address the prevailing condition and situations. To do this, the past form and process of policy making is slowly being replaced by newer and better forms of social policy making. Presently, in order to address this issue, people in the lower bracket of income are now being involved in decision making. The approach that has being adopted is one that gives a chance and a voice to people in the low class. The people are asked for their views on issues affecting people on the lower end of the income bracket. The basic issues where their opinions and views are sought include housing and healthcare access and services. The chance of participation ensures that the poor people are heard and that their views are considered (Walsh, Stephens and Moore, 2000). This participation and representation is further achieved by having members representing the poor people in the social policy making committees. This participation, therefore, acts as a benchmark where measures and initiatives are made and as a result, the relationship between the citizens and the concerned policy makers is fortified. As a result of this new approach of addressing poverty with regards to social policy making, today, a person who has social, psychological or medical conditions that demand attention, the Public Centers for Social Welfare can be called on for assistance (Chapin, 2014). This centers, which are greatly promoted and advocated for in social policy processes and development, should not be seen as relief institutions for the poor but rather, they should be seen as institutions set up to ensure that all citizens, especially the poor, are guaranteed and assured of rightful welfare and wellbeing. Relationship between social policy and demographic change Another issue that affects the process of policy making is the change in demographics. The demographics of the U.K, and in many other states for that matter, have really changed. Today, as a result of advances, development in medicine, and improved lifestyles, there is a high and increasing life expectancy and on the other hand, low life fertility rate (Harald, 2009). The rate of deaths has greatly gone down and people are living more years than they did before. On the other hand, the number of children that are being born in many nations, U.K not being an exception has gradually gone down (Alcock, 2008). This presents an unbalanced ratio on the rate of life expectancy and that of fertility rate. As a result, this has affected the social policy making, and the policies being made. The social policies being made are putting into consideration the issue of social and old age security. To ensure that the elderly in the society are taken care of, the principles of social policies are greatly being adhered to. The elderly, especially those who are not working and have no one to depend on have the welfare states looking at their well-being. In the past, the elderly were put in care homes for the elderly and from there, they were taken care of (May, Page and Brunsdon, 2001). However, today, some elderly people are taken care of from their own homes. In addition, some of them benefit from the pensions and incentives that the governments awards to them. This money is intended and aimed at making the life of the elderly comfortable since the government takes it that it is its responsibility (Chapin, 2014). To further promote life expectancy, the elderly and any other people are allowed to access medical services at subsidized costs and this has further promoted the wellbeing of the family. The low fertility rates, in some nations, are as a result of health issues and poor maternity services. This is further addressed in the social policies that are made. Governments, civil societies and donors are all being encouraged to promote and contribute in the wellbeing of everyone in the society. Demographics really matter in the political and economic growth of any society as noted by Harald (2009). The middle class comprises a very big percentage of the population, especially those who are in the working class. The policies made are also designed in a way that ensures that they are included in the decision making process of social policies. In addition, the young are also considered in the social policies that are made. Child healthcare is greatly campaigned for by free medication being provided. Their education is also advocated for and this way, the various demographic compositions are considered. Demographics and poverty are two issues among the many that affect the process of social policy making. The principles of social policies, which include equality, respect, justice for all, human respect among others are greatly upheld, irrespective of the changes from the traditional social policy making process to the way the social process is made today (Ginsberg and Jullie, 2005; Blakemore and Louise, 2013). The legal, regulatory and policy frameworks that are used and considered in the present social policy making process are all aimed at ensuring that the well-being of all individuals in any society. Social exclusion for the poor which was a characteristic of past processes in social policy making processes is gradually being eliminated. Conclusion A comparison of past social policies and those today shows that there is an undeniable relationship between social problems and social policy making processes. This is because the world has greatly changed and the circumstances, situations and conditions are different from what they were in the past. This is because people have a general need to have their views and opinions heard and represented (Claeys, 2001). Poverty, which is a representative of other social problems, is a war against which many nations have waged an unloosing battle on. This and all other problems must be addressed. The past traditional social policy making processes might not aptly work with the current challenges and hence, with the current social problems, more appropriate social policy problems are usually adopted. References Alcock, P., 2008. Social policy in Britain. New York: Macmillan Publishers. Banks., S., 2003. Managing community practice: principles, policies and programmes. London: The Policy Press. Blakemore, K., and Louise, W., 2013. Social policy: An introduction. London: Mc-Graw-Hill International. Chapin, R., 2014. Social policy for effective practice: A strengths approach. London: Routledge. Claeys, A., 2001. Engaging the poor in policy making on poverty and social exclusion in Flanders.OECD.ORG. [Online] Available at [Accessed 17th April 2014]. Ginsberg, L., and Jullie, M., 2005. Understanding social problems, policies and programs. South Caroline: South Carolina Press. Harald, W., 2009. Demographic change: A major political problem zone. MPG.DE.ORG. [Online] Available at [Accessed 17th April 2014]. May, M., Page, R., and Brunston, E., 2001. Understanding social problems: Issues in social policy. New York: John Wiley and Sons. Reinhardt, J., Meadows, P., and Gilette, J., 2012. Social problems and social policy. London: Literary Licensing. Walsh, M., Stephens, P., and Moore, S., 2000. Social Policy and welfare. Oxford: Nelson Thomes. Read More