This Activity Aims To Elaborate On A Written Work Applying T

This activity aims to elaborate on a written work applying the concepts

This activity aims to elaborate on a written work applying the concepts studied in this module. Delve deeper into the topics discussed in the module by answering the following question(s): Choose a social policy, and answer: Which theoretical model can be applied to this social policy? How can the concepts of hegemony and counter-hegemony be applied to the social policy, and which are the various social actors involved in the planning, implementing, and evaluating that social policy? You must present your writing double-spaced, in Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier New font, with a font size of 12. Contribute a minimum of 3-5 pages. It should include at least 3 academic sources, formatted and cited in APA.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The analysis of social policies through various theoretical frameworks is vital to understanding their development, implementation, and impact within society. Social policies are strategic initiatives designed to address societal issues, aiming to promote social justice, equality, and well-being. This paper explores a specific social policy, applying relevant theoretical models, and examining the influence of hegemonic and counter-hegemonic forces. Additionally, it discusses the roles of various social actors involved in the policymaking process.

Selection of a Social Policy

For this analysis, the social policy selected is the Universal Healthcare System in Canada. The policy aims to provide accessible, comprehensive healthcare services to all Canadian citizens and residents, regardless of income or social status. It is a significant component of Canada's social safety net and reflects the country's commitment to social equity.

Theoretical Model Applicable to the Social Policy

The structural functionalist model is particularly relevant to understanding the Canadian Universal Healthcare Policy. This model views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and order (Parsons, 1951). In this context, healthcare is considered a vital social institution that contributes to societal stability by maintaining the health of the population, thus ensuring the functioning of other social institutions such as the economy and education.

Alternatively, the conflict theory also offers valuable insights, emphasizing the role of power and inequality in health policy. According to conflict theorists (Marx, 1867), healthcare is a site of social struggle where marginalized groups often face disparities, and policies may serve the interests of dominant social classes. Thus, understanding the Canadian healthcare system through a conflict lens reveals ongoing tensions between public health priorities and economic interests, including private healthcare entities and pharmaceutical corporations.

Applying Hegemony and Counter-Hegemony to the Social Policy

The concepts of hegemony and counter-hegemony, rooted in Gramsci's theory, are essential to analyzing how dominant ideas influence health policy (Gramsci, 1971). Hegemonically, the state and elite social classes maintain control by shaping public perception of healthcare as a universal right supported by shared cultural values, thus promoting consent and stability.

Contrarily, counter-hegemonic forces challenge this hegemony by advocating for alternative visions of health equity—such as community-based participatory approaches or resistance against corporate-driven privatization trends. For example, grassroots movements and professional unions have historically attempted to counteract neoliberal policies that threaten universal access, advocating for policy reforms that prioritize social justice over market interests.

Social Actors Involved in Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating

Multiple social actors influence the development and execution of the Canadian healthcare policy. Government agencies, notably Health Canada and provincial health authorities, are primary actors responsible for planning and policy formulation. Health professionals, including physicians, nurses, and public health experts, play critical roles in implementing policy directives and providing healthcare services.

Citizens and patient advocacy groups act as crucial stakeholders, influencing policy through participation in public consultations and advocacy efforts. Private sector entities, such as pharmaceutical companies and insurance providers, also participate, often shaping policy debates around cost, access, and innovation.

Academic researchers contribute to evidence-based policymaking by assessing the effectiveness and equity of healthcare initiatives. Media outlets and public opinion shape political agendas by framing issues related to healthcare access, funding, and quality.

Conclusion

The application of the structural functionalist and conflict theories provides comprehensive insight into the dynamics of Canada's universal healthcare policy. Moreover, understanding hegemonic and counter-hegemonic forces reveals the ideological struggles embedded within health policy discourses. Recognizing the diverse social actors involved underscores the multifaceted nature of policy processes. Together, these theoretical perspectives and actor analyses enhance our understanding of how social policies function within complex societal power structures, ultimately informing more equitable policy formulation and advocacy.

References

Gramsci, A. (1971). Selections from the Prison Notebooks. Q. Hoare & G. N. Smith (Eds.). International Publishers.

Marx, K. (1867). Capital: A Critique of Political Economy. Penguin Classics.

Parsons, T. (1951). The social system. Routledge.

Smith, J. A. (2020). Healthcare policy reform and social justice: The Canadian context. Journal of Social Policy, 49(3), 453-472.

Graham, L., & Lee, S. (2018). Hegemony and resistance in health policy. Critical Public Health, 28(4), 423-434.

Harrison, D., & Wilson, M. (2019). Social actors and the policymaking process in health. Health Policy and Planning, 34(2), 105-112.

McDonald, S., & Smith, T. (2021). Public participation in health policy development. International Journal of Health Governance, 26(1), 37-53.

Klein, R., & Patel, S. (2017). Private interests and public health: Conflicts in healthcare policy. Global Public Health, 12(8), 985-998.

Foucault, M. (1973). The Birth of the Clinic. Vintage Books.

Torre, M. E. (2016). Movements for health equity and social justice. Social Science & Medicine, 165, 279-286.