Categorization Of Social Policy, Features Shaping US Economy
Categorization of social policy, features shaping US economy, and social
Reisch (2014/17) argues that social policy can be divided into three categories: social welfare policy, fiscal welfare policy, and occupational welfare policy. Briefly describe the three categories of social policy – providing an example of each.
Explain how such a categorization can be seen as, in the words of Richard Timuss, “social division of welfare.” Blau (2014/17) argues that there are five significant features of the contemporary U.S. economy that provide the context for social policy. Briefly describe each. Describe how at least one of these features of the U.S. economy (or one of the others discussed in class) shapes the policy milieu of your practice of social work and/or your clients’ lives.
Blau (2014/17) articulates “Three Conservative Myths about Social Welfare and the Economy.” Discuss one – summarizing Blau’s argument for why it is a myth. If you disagree with Blau, say why you do and provide evidence for your view. If you agree, say why it is important to understand and debunk the myth.
Blau (2014/17) and Schiele (2014/17) argue that social policies and programs not only provide basic necessities to marginalized people and communities, but also serve to regulate both the economy and the lives of people of color in ways that promote the dominant paradigm. Choose a sector of the economy – e.g., housing, food, health care and describe how social welfare programs/policies (a) boost profits in that sector and (b) regulate the lives of people of color? (You might also find that Coates [2014] and Willse [2010] have useful contributions to this subject.)
Reisch (2014/17) and Warde (2017) identify key features of the Elizabethan Poor Laws and those that followed in the early United States (e.g., reforms articulated in the Report of the Committee on Pauper Laws). Articulate briefly five of these features and how their remnants can be seen in current social welfare policy.
Roll (2014/17) articulates various social changes that led to changes both in women’s relationship to the economy and in societal view of gender roles. Discuss the relationship you see among two or more of these changes – or how Roll’s analysis is lacking.
Reisch (2014/17) articulates seven stages of policy development. Briefly describe them.
Collins (2007) discusses three dimensions of oppression – the institutional, the symbolic, and the individual. Briefly describe each, as well as how you see them in the context of social welfare policy (e.g., in formation, implementation, evaluation). Explain a policy that may have had unintended consequences, and explain why that may have happened. What can we do to try to avoid such consequences?
Caputo (2014/17) notes: “Structuring problems is an important activity for policy analysts,” for the way that we define a problem will dictate, in part, the solutions we consider. Pick a social problem, and define the issue in two different ways, showing how various articulations of the issue lead to disparate solutions. (You might also find that Coates [2014] and Willse [2010] have useful contributions to this subject. Reisch [2014/17] also discusses the social construction of social problems.)
Briefly describe the following concepts – and provide an example of the concept applied in the context of policy analysis: Universal benefit, Means-tested (or selective) benefit, Population-at-risk, Inclusiveness of coverage, Horizontal adequacy, Vertical adequacy, Horizontal equity, Vertical equity.
Why, if the U.S. federal income tax is progressive, is the total share of taxes that will be paid across the economic spectrum roughly equal to their total share of income? (For example, the richest one percent of Americans pay 23.7% of total taxes and receive 21.6% of total income, while the poorest one-fifth pay 2.1% of total taxes and receive 3.3% of total income.) In answering this question, you should define and discuss progressive taxes, regressive taxes, tax expenditures, and marginal and effective tax rates – and provide examples of each.
Different economic theories suggest different responses to periodic economic crises. According to traditional Keynesian economic theory, how should governments respond to recession? Why? According to supply-side economic theory, how should governments respond to recession? Why?
How would Marxist theorists critique both Keynesian and supply-side theory? Two trends within the past 50 years have increasingly moved the authority and implementation of social welfare policy away from the federal government. What is policy devolution? Provide an example. What is privatization? Provide an example. Why should we care?
Describe the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending – and why is the distinction important? Put the following steps of the legislative process in the correct order. For the italicized steps, describe how you might advocate effectively for the bill at this step. (Who are the targets of your advocacy? What might you do?)
The Finance Committee considers amendments to House Bill 1 that were raised during its hearing. House Bill 1 crosses over to the other chamber for consideration. House Bill 1 passes second reading in the Senate with amendments. The full Senate debates House Bill 1 and considers amendments to the bill. The full House of Delegates debates House Bill 1 and considers amendments to the bill.
The Finance Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 1. House Bill 1 passes third reader in the House of Delegates. The bill becomes law. The Economic Matters Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 1. Both the full membership of House and the Senate vote favorably on the conference report – the comprise version – of House Bill 1.
House Bill 1 is drafted by the Department of Legislative Services. The governor signs the bill. House Bill 1 passes second reading in the House of Delegates without amendments. The Finance Committee votes favorably on House Bill 1 – with amendments. House Bill 1 passes third reader in the Senate. House Bill 1 – without the possibility of additional amendments – is debated by and receives approval from a majority of the membership in a floor vote in the House of Delegates.
House Bill 1 is introduced in the Senate, where it has its first reading and is referred to the Finance Committee. The Economic Matters Committee votes favorably on House Bill 1. The governor considers the bill for signature or veto. House Bill 1 is introduced in the House of Delegates, where it has its first reading and is referred to the Economic Matters Committee. A conference committee – which includes three delegates and three senators – is appointed to draft a compromise bill.
House Bill 1 – without the possibility of additional amendments – is debated by and receives approval from a majority of the membership in a floor vote in the Senate. Why are social workers – including and especially those who engage in direct practice – well positioned to be effective advocates for policy change? What grade would you give yourself for engagement in the learning process of this course – including your preparation for and engagement in class? How might you and/or I improve your learning during the second half of the semester? (No Points)
Paper For Above instruction
Social policy analysis encompasses various categories, including social welfare policy, fiscal welfare policy, and occupational welfare policy. Reisch (2014/17) delineates these categories: social welfare policy pertains to programs and services that directly support individuals and communities in need, such as public assistance programs like Medicaid or SNAP; fiscal welfare policy involves government tax systems and transfers that influence economic security indirectly, exemplified by tax credits and unemployment insurance; occupational welfare policy relates to benefits provided through employment, including health insurance and retirement plans. For instance, social welfare policy includes Medicaid, fiscal welfare encompasses refundable tax credits, and occupational welfare often covers employer-sponsored health plans.
This categorization aligns with Richard Timuss’s concept of the “social division of welfare,” which views different welfare realms as segmented entities serving distinct socioeconomic groups and interests, emphasizing the structural inequalities inherent in the welfare system. Blau (2014/17) describes five significant features shaping the contemporary U.S. economy that influence social policy: economic globalization, technological advancement, increased income inequality, political polarization, and the shift toward service-based industries. These factors create a complex policy environment, influencing resource allocation and policy priorities. For example, the shift to a service economy in the U.S. impacts how social services are delivered and accessed, often marginalizing low-income and minority populations.
Blau’s (2014/17) critique of conservative myths about the economy includes the myth that social welfare discourages work, which Blau argues is unfounded; empirical evidence shows that social safety nets can support workforce participation. Debunking such myths is crucial to creating informed, equitable policies. Disagreements may arise when opponents interpret data differently, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based debate.
Regarding economic sectors, social welfare programs in housing—such as subsidized housing and rent vouchers—serve to boost profits for property owners and developers while regulating the lives of people of color through discriminatory practices and segregated housing patterns. These policies can reinforce racial inequalities by limiting housing opportunities for marginalized communities, as discussed by Coates (2014) and Willse (2010).
The Elizabethan Poor Laws introduced five features that persist today: local responsibility for welfare, categorization of recipients, reliance on community charity, means testing, and limited state intervention. These features can still be observed in current social welfare policies, such as the continued emphasis on local administration and means testing for welfare eligibility.
Social changes, including women’s entry into the workforce and evolving societal views on gender roles, are interrelated. For instance, increased female labor participation often correlates with shifts in societal perceptions of gender norms, although some analyses may overlook how economic necessity influenced these changes.
Reisch (2014/17) describes seven stages of policy development: agenda setting, policy formulation, policy legitimation, policy adoption, policy implementation, policy evaluation, and policy change. Understanding these stages helps comprehend how policies evolve and how advocates can influence each phase.
Collins (2007) frames oppression through the institutional (systemic policies and practices), symbolic (cultural representations and stereotypes), and individual (personal attitudes and behaviors) dimensions. These manifestations are evident in social welfare policy processes, where institutional biases and stereotypes can influence policy formation and implementation, sometimes producing unintended consequences like racial profiling or segregation. To mitigate such outcomes, inclusive policymaking and ongoing evaluation are vital.
Structuring social problems involves different framings that lead to varied solutions. For example, homelessness can be viewed as a health issue—calling for housing-first policies—or as a criminal justice problem, leading to policing-centric solutions. These differing definitions shape policy directions significantly.
The concepts of universal benefits, means-tested benefits, populations at risk, inclusiveness, and equity considerations in policy analysis help clarify how resources are allocated and who benefits. For instance, universal healthcare aims to provide coverage to all, whereas means-tested programs target those below a certain income threshold.
Tax policy responses to economic crises differ by theory: Keynesian economics advocates government spending boosts during recessions to stimulate demand, while supply-side theory promotes tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy to incentivize investment. Marxists critique both, arguing they maintain capitalist exploitation and inequality.
Policy devolution involves shifting authority from federal to state or local governments, exemplified by Medicaid expansion decisions; privatization involves transferring services to private entities, such as privatized prisons. Both trends can reduce public oversight and accountability.
Mandatory spending covers legally required expenditures like Social Security, while discretionary spending is subject to annual appropriations, influencing policy priorities. Understanding these distinctions guides fiscal planning.
In the legislative process, advocacy is most effective during committee hearings and hearings on amendments, targeting legislators and committee members with data, personal stories, and constituent pressure to influence decisions.
Social workers engaged in direct practice are well-positioned to advocate for policy change because of their firsthand understanding of clients' needs and systemic barriers. By leveraging their expertise and relationships, they can influence policy formation and reform efforts.
Reflecting on personal engagement in this course, efforts can be made to deepen understanding and participation through active discussion, collaborative projects, and applying learned concepts to real-world scenarios, fostering ongoing growth and advocacy skills.