How Social Policy Influence Personal of Youths - Essay Example

How Social policy Influence Personal of Youths and Children Introduction Social policy refers to policies by the government or the state on its citizens to ensure better living standards. It refers to principles, guidelines legislations as well as activities in ensuring members of a certain state or jurisdiction achieved their desired conditions of living. Scholars would otherwise describe social policy as an interdisciplinary or an applied subject where individuals are able to analyse diverse responses of humans to their social needs. As a study, the subject seeks to increase the capacity of students to understand the theory as well as evidence collected from other fields (Bashevkin, 2002). One needs to understand that social policies as a subject, concentrates on the economy of people. This then means that the subject concentrates on those policies by states and other players in order to ensure human existence in the society. Further the subject dwell on those aspects that ensure human existence. Such aspects may relate to food, water and shelter. With more consideration on the subject, we can see that social policies further concentrates on aspects in the promotion of healthcare in the society (Shove, 2010). It dwells on the provision of education, protection of the environment and offer training to members of a society. With respect to the above argument on can say that social policy dwells on the principles and practice of the Human service, healthcare, education, labour and the criminal justice sectors. Social policy therefore affects almost all ages in the society. However, these policies have had an impact more on children and young people. This is true since most of the problems in the society affect children and young people. Moreover, it is a fact that youths are more vulnerable to abuse drugs than grown-ups are. On the other hand, children have to transcend within proper education and health systems to ensure progression in the society (Mullins, Alan and Lewis, 2006). States have to come up with social policies that ensure facilitation of education, housing as well as social security. Social policy on Children and Youths These policies have been evident in governing human behaviour. For example in a country like the United Kingdom social policy might imply to policies that might govern abortion, drug abuse, unemployment, marriage, adoption, prostitution or divorce. This paper concentrates on the influence of social policies on young people as well as children. Social policies when constructed have long-term or short-term influence on the society. For children, social policies might interfere with their education. Social policies on the other hand might influence the behaviour on young individuals to reduce drug and related crimes. The paper further bases its findings on an interview. This interview draws information on the health status of an individual called Sam. From this interview, the reader will be able to understand how social policies can influence a person’s health. It is therefore prudent to note that social policies have an influence on personal lives. Although such policies influence individuals differently, its influence might have positive as well as negative consequences. Health Influences In terms of healthcare, social policy has diverse influence on youth and children. From the interview with Sam on health condition, readers grasps that her healthcare status is dependent on the social policies on healthcare in the country. In terms of data on healthcare in the Europe, People of the United Kingdom have a better healthcare system (Pierson, 2001). Is these why their life expectancy rates are higher than those of any European nation are? Therefore, in a country like the United Kingdom social policies has been of great concern to employers, policy makers as well as politicians. In terms of healthcare social policies concentrates of provision of affordable services (Bashevkin, 2002). Such policies capture the needs of all age groups in the society. In terms of children and young people, the social policy of the country ensures that these groups remain their first priority. Policy makers have on the other hand advocated for assistance in promotion of health watch among children and youths. Social policies on health and care on the other hand concentrate on research. Research has been an essential part for centuries in solving human needs. In relation to research, various studies recommend that healthcare outcomes of policy implementation need to be the basis for success or failure. This then raises the concerns that various healthcare policies on healthcare might not be feasible. There are still vulnerable groups in the society that need basic support. On top of this population, increase influences the economy. Recent data on Greece and other European countries indicate a downward slope in economies. Countries face financial difficulties while others resort to adjusting their budgets. Budget constraints therefore interfere with the healthcare of people. This might influence their nutrition, routine or even their physical being. For example studies reveal that more individuals than before in Europe and other countries suffer from diabetes and obesity. This is attributed to poor nutrition as well as lack of exercise. In Sams case, she says that she has a son who is six years old with a Down Syndrome. She says that all her life has been devoted at providing care to the child. This therefore shows one how health can interfere with a person’s life. Sam could have had a normal life like that of other mothers, but the health of her son counts most. She says that at time she cannot even sleep. She says that the moment she puts her child to bed he screams continuously that she can sleep. Further, she states that support from welfare agencies have been challenging. This therefore shows that the healthcare policies of vulnerable groups like her son need to be a matter of the states. The government need to protect the lives of vulnerable groups in terms of their health. On the other hand, social policies have had an influence on the provision of psychological therapies to young people and children. There has of psychological conditions on various members of the society. Sam’s case involves her son who has Down syndrome. The disease has negative psychological influences on a patient as well as relatives. The psychological influence on Sam comes out clear when she states that welfare agencies have exhausted her expectations. Her anxiety has then made her have panic attacks on different occasions. Therefore, social policies in relation to health need to concentrate on ensuring that there is an early intervention to problems (Wood, 2004). These policies further need to ensure that intervention takes place at the right time. In order to ensure that care systems perform their duties as per guidelines and policies structures, workforce need to receive training. Care Influences In the workplace, aspects that improve workforce would guide social policies. These aspects would include improvement of working conditions, promotion of training and educational programs. Sam says that after her maternity leave the organization demanded that she works extra hard despite her condition (Mullins et al 2006). Policy makers on social issues touching on care need to provide leadership as well as assurance. Accountability is another issues that need considerable effort since it has had negative implications on the system. Further care systems need to base their theories on evidence and knowledge. Information from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the U.K has great significance on social policy. This report has important features since it evaluates national policy gaps. The report further provides clear guidelines to managers as well as professionals in the matter. The report provides one of information on efforts by the government in ensuring that social policies consider children and young people (Fink, 2009). This report on the other hand provides basis for quality on healthcare in the country. It further communicates information on various services the organization transfers to the populations. The head of this unit is the director of children’s services. The purposes of the report are to ensure that social works provide services to needy individuals in the society. However, during their practice they come along various challenges that affect their personal lives. Influence of social policy on personal lives in the healthcare not only infers to the physical schedule changes. Such changes may be psychological or even emotional. Sam’s story provides to light the influence of social policy in shaping people’s lives. If the policy of the government could offer better and affordable care services Sam would have had other tasks to accomplish. The government exercises its mandate in terms of care provision using various agencies. Social policies would therefore ensure that there is a certain structure of collecting funds and budgeting. Strategies by the government in terms of social policies include the assessment of medical reports as well as records. Such records assist in provision of budget as well as drafting policies. However, personal lives of individuals in relation to social policies require a personal touch. Every event in influence individuals differently; social policies capture the diversity of people. This leaves out the most vulnerable in the society. Social policies in the country have been instrumental in the promotion of foster care services in the society (Fink, 2009). For youths policy makers need to consider the influence of drugs and alcohol on the health of young people. Social policies have been instrumental in the collapse of the social unit of the society. Such policies have led to the collapse of social norms that have an impact on youth’s behaviour. Such behaviours and lifestyle contribute to many health concerns, which has financial implications. Sexuality Influence The government of the United Kingdom has the responsibility of protecting children and youths against sexual exploitation. Social policies on the matter dwell on the inclusion of children’s welfare in the approach. The policy on the other hand concentrates in the assurance of a proactive approach to protecting children and young people. The government has been able to provide services in ensuring that there is institutions that provide sexual protection services. Professionals in these institutions need to understand their roles and responsibilities (Carabine, 2009). In relation to this influence, the government ensures that there are local children boards. Such organizations might include agencies, healthcare services, schools and other players. The government has been able to prevent sexual exploitation on children and young people in the county. Such success continues with the application of the following strategies. The government has been able to seek services of the police, education and healthcare sectors. In the creation of such policies, the government needs to consider managing individual cases. This needs to be the case since social policies in respect to sexuality has a large base. For example, there has been an increase in cases of rape cases on the streets (Carabine, 2009). Perhaps the rape incident that led to the death of a woman in India made news over the globe. Rape and sexual exploitation has a long-term impact on the victim. Especially when such incidences are perpetrated on children. Such incidences might mental or emotional influences on the victims. Therefore, the government in its capacity has been able to identify vulnerable populations to sexual exploitation. On the other hand the the policy ensures that there is a legal age to consider in relation to consent to sexual act on individuals. This has been able to root out individuals who exploit children sexually without their consent. The government of U.K has provides funds to cater for the operations of the children’s Social Care institution. Strengthened by Acts the institution provides support to children and young adults (Carabine, 2009). The services of this institution not only caters for psychological and medical services in also provides policing services. The next approach to development of a social policy relies on the prevention of sexual exploitation. Policy makers as well as researchers understand that sexual exploitation can have emotional as well as physical influences. Rape cases at times result in death. Victims have emotional scars as well as the possibility of unwanted pregnancies. Social policy advocacy, therefore need to consider raising the awareness level in the society. On the other hand, governments, agents and communities need to receive preventive education. The government can further use the services of health practitioners. Police have a mandate in arresting perpetrators as well as preventing. Another very important feature of social policy refers to the importance of sharing information. Sharing of information assists in the prevention of sexual exploitation incidences. The government, private sectors as well as communities need to prevent incidences of sexual exploitation on children and young individuals. This is because the social policy considers influences of other sectors. Since, sexual exploitation cuts across all sectors in the society, it needs to consider such sectors independently. The health, labour and other sectors needs to have their personal policies relating to sexual exploitation. In relation to sexual exploitation, women and girls are more vulnerable; this may be due to their sexuality. There has been an increase in reports on marriage rape cases. The government and the community need to prevent sexual exploitation incidences. Work Work policies as well as government policies on labour have an influence on personal lives. Social policies on labour promote the union between employees and employers. This union is essential in ensuring relationships at the workplace. In relation to the workplace, social policy boarders on the provision of employment services to organizations. In organizations provision of social security, lie alongside labour policies (Mooney, 2009). Information by the department of children schools and families of the year 2020 provides critical evidence of the influence of social policy to individuals in a society. Policies on children welfare as well as youth demands critical attention. According to information provided by the 2020 children and young people’s strategy, diverse aspects become known. The ambitious strategy whose motto is “building Brighter Future” provides policy makers idea for future changes and other strategies. The strategy is part of government’s plans to ensure that children and young people enjoy the services of the plan. This strategy ensures that the government works with other partners in propelling the strategy. The strategy is essential for developing a knowledge bank. The strategy includes the integration of leadership skills to management. The social policy moreover ensures that there is a strategic approach towards recruitment of workforce. The strategy further supports individual employees towards the development of behaviours and in skill development. The institution needs to work together with children, parents and young people. Social work is another important aspect of the strategy social workers are important in ensuring that support meets all the vulnerable people in the society. While working with children one needs to consider the following aspects. Health and safety is one of the factors to consider. Consideration of such aspects ensures that children are not exploited in the workforce. When defining young people and children data from the Expert group suggests that almost 2.7 million people work with children. This is according to data of the year 2008 (Mooney, 2009). As part of the social policy, it became apparent that people working with children had to foster changes in the management of workforce policies. Then everyone works in young and children’s workforce need to have a very strong commitment. On the other hand, measures related to the strategies need to be relevant to every individual in the departments. In response to the operation of this strategy, the government through agencies communities and other stakeholders in the community work in hand. Collaborating with other institutions provides organizations with clear perspective on its leadership styles or management system (Mullins et al 2006). However, there are always challenges to such initiatives that discourage completion of government’s projects. The challenges in this initiative according to data from the Expert group indicate that the delivery system might be one of such challenge. Other challenges relate to the leadership and management of institution. One can additionally relate to aspects of the workforce as influencing the vision. Considering such information, one can state that work has an influence on the lives of individuals. Social policy on workforce management therefore has an influence on children and young people alike. In comparison with other influences, work takes people away from homes. Busy schedule of today’s workforce makes individuals have minimum time for socializing. Social policies on the workforce ensure that workers enjoy their basic rights as well as earn decent salaries. Work schedule according to information of The Children is Workforce Development Council, defines today’s workforce (Mooney, 2009). Busy schedule then makes individual abdicates their social responsibilities. On the other hand, young people have been in busy schedules to the extent they ignore other important human aspects. In many nations, work is central to people and families. In this countries labour influences relate to taxation, labour laws and relationships within the workplace. Other aspects of work relates to compensation. However in these workplaces, there has been challenges relate to marginalization, nepotism and subordination. Research reveals that women workers are marginalised in the workplaces. This research further reveals that over 80 million women represent workers in the formal setting. Before the year 1945 workforce teams assumed gendered labour divisions. During this period male were breadwinners while women did domestic chores. However, with time women became part of the workforce. Further, such women had an opportunity to attain strategic positions. Work responsibilities among gender in the workforce have been on constant transformation so as lifestyles and lives of individuals (Wood, 2004). Today women have the independent status in terms being part of the workers a thing that would be during the Victorian era. Influence on Citizenship Since the 80s citizen and the rights to citizenship has been a matter of concern globally. Citizenship then refers to aspects such as nationality of individuals, culture as well as the rights to certain social amenities. However, after the cold war various changes have been made to social policies related to citizenship. The world has witnessed wars that have led to the displacement of people. Such displacements have an influence on the personal live of individuals as well as families (Lewis, 2009). On the other hand, there have been an increasing number of refugees entering European nations. Apart from the flow of refugees and asylum seeks there has been an increased flow of capital factors. People in the world today communicate and travel more. This therefore means states have had to content with the strain of such influx of individuals. Such movements of individuals will eventually end the aspect of nationhood in the globe. Individuals will relate to their personhood rather than their nationhood. Nations agree that there is an influx of refugees as well as asylum seekers across their borders. However, by stating that this individuals become members of that state might mean giving the status of enjoying social security and other services. This has made nations have developed policies related to citizenship. In the UK citizenship has had an impact on the lives of people. Therefore, citizenship has had diverse influences on the struggles of individuals. For decades, individuals have been using citizenship and personal interchangeably. The notion of thee personal aspects further cuts through all races and groups. Then we can states that having a divergent view on the issues will reveal that personal life can relate to collective status of individuals. In response to the above statements, it becomes evident that social policy involves the drafting of procedures or guidelines that insinuates personal lives. It becomes essential then to state that such policies of the state concentrate on normative assumptions. On the other hand, social policy ensures the distribution of public goods. Such policies influence personal lives with respect to the demarcation of social groupings and in terms of geographical maps. Such aspects influence individuals’ lives because geographical locations might be a hindrance in the provision of welfare services. Further cultures as well as professional practices can be of a hindrance to personal lives. With its influence, on personal lives, professionals, government entities as well as other players as in shaping the content of personal lives. From research findings on social policy in the UK, it became important that policy makers use their experiences as the basis of policy. Policy makers need to understand that individuals have diverse understanding on the matter of citizenship. Further, such policies are just but materials on paper. This is because providers and practitioners of such policies might decide to comply with its statement or reject it. Citizenship brings with it other issues. On a personal stand, individuals might have content with racial mistreatment. Further consideration on social policy reveals that social policy in relation to citizenship concentrates on the legal rights of an individual in a particular state (Lewis, 2009). Such rights to individuals refer to personal freedom of movement and transaction in the country. World wars fuelled citizenship to a greater level. After the war, nations resolved to cold war within and without their borders. However, one must consider the influence of inequality on citizenship. This idea on citizenships brings into perspective certain aspects other than the norm. Citizenship therefore can be seen as an agent of inequality. The right to citizenship within the UK reveals the extent to which citizenship might categorize individuals. For example, refugees and Asylum seekers are out of the league of citizens. Conclusions Social policies refer to guidelines essential in the management of human interactions within an organization or a society. Research studies on the aspects might involve the use of interviews in respects to Sam’s interview it became apparent that the interview revealed personal challenges of a mother taking care of son with Down syndrome. Interviews essentially have to focus on an subject area. Persons conducting such interviews need to be knowledgeable on the subject. Interviews further need one to be articulate and accurate in terms of recording. Findings on social policy influence on persons reveals various aspects in relation to persons work, care, health and sexuality (Calabrese and Jean-Claude, 1999). References Bashevkin, S, B. 2002. Welfare hot buttons: Women, work, and social policy reform. University of Toronto Press. Calabrese, A, and Jean-Claude B.1999. Communication, citizenship, and social policy: Rethinking the limits of the welfare state. Rowman & Littlefield, 1999. Carabine. J. 2009.Sexualities.Personal lives and social policy. Open University. United Kingdom. www.policypress.org.uk Fink, J. 2009. Care: Personal lives and social policy. Open University. United Kingdom. www.policypress.org.uk Lewis, G. 2009. Citizenship: Personal lives and social policy. Open University. United Kingdom. www.policypress.org.uk Mooney, G.2009. Work: Personal lives and social policy. Open University. United Kingdom. www.policypress.org.uk Mullins, D, Alan M, and Lewis.2006. Housing Policy in the UK. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Pierson, P. 2001. The new politics of the welfare state. Oxford University Press.. Shove, E.2010. "Beyond the ABC: climate change policy and theories of social change." Environment and planning. A 42(6)Pp: 1273 Wood, G.2004. Insecurity and welfare regimes in Asia, Africa and Latin America: Social policy in development contexts. Cambridge University Press. Read More