Theories of Social Policy: A Comprehensive Guide for Social Work Students

Question 1

Which of the following is a defining feature of liberal social policy?

Accepted Answer

Focus on individual rights and responsibilities

Answer

Advocacy for significant government involvement in the economy

Answer

Dedication to achieving absolute social equality

Answer

Belief in the importance of a universal welfare system

Question 2

According to classical liberal social policy, the government's primary role should be to:

Accepted Answer

Promote individual responsibility and self-reliance.

Answer

Intervene actively in social welfare provision.

Answer

Reduce social and economic inequalities.

Answer

Protect traditional values and institutions.

Question 3

A major criticism leveled against the 'welfare state' model of social policy is that it:

Accepted Answer

Creates dependency and discourages personal responsibility.

Answer

Is excessively costly and inefficient.

Answer

Undermines traditional family values.

Answer

Ignores the role of the private sector in social welfare provision.

Question 4

Social policies that prioritize reducing inequalities and empowering marginalized groups are referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Emancipatory social policies.

Answer

Neoliberal social policies.

Answer

Conservative social policies.

Answer

Welfare state social policies.

Question 5

Which of the following accurately describes the British social security system?

Accepted Answer

It is based on means-testing and provides benefits only to those who meet certain eligibility criteria.

Answer

It provides universal benefits to all citizens, regardless of income or assets.

Answer

It is funded entirely through general taxation.

Answer

It is administered by central government departments.

Question 6

The concept of 'social exclusion' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process by which individuals are denied access to essential resources and opportunities in society.

Answer

The voluntary decision to withdraw from social interactions.

Answer

The state of being unemployed for an extended period.

Answer

The discrimination faced by specific groups based on their race, gender, or other characteristics.

Question 7

The concept of 'decommodification' in social policy refers to:

Accepted Answer

Reducing reliance on market mechanisms for essential goods and services.

Answer

Increasing the role of private corporations in welfare provision.

Answer

Promoting self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on government benefits.

Answer

Protecting traditional family structures.

Question 8

How can social policies be used to address economic inequality and promote social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Social policies can reduce economic inequality and promote social mobility by supporting low-income individuals and families, investing in education and job training, and expanding access to affordable housing and healthcare.

Answer

Social policies have no impact on economic inequality.

Answer

Social policies worsen economic inequality.

Answer

Addressing economic inequality does not require social policies.

Question 9

In social policy, which approach best addresses the ethical conflict between individualism and collectivism?

Accepted Answer

Balance protection of individual rights with promotion of the collective good.

Answer

Prioritize individual rights over collective responsibilities.

Answer

Focus solely on promoting the collective good, even if it limits individual rights.

Question 10

Which fundamental principle underpins liberalism in social policy?

Accepted Answer

Priority to individual liberty and self-reliance

Answer

Advocacy for a comprehensive welfare system

Answer

Belief in collective superiority over individual autonomy

Answer

Support for extensive government intervention in the economy

Question 11

Conservative theory in social welfare explicitly excludes which of the following as a legitimate state responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Providing assistance to the most vulnerable

Answer

Safeguarding individual freedoms

Answer

Maintaining law and order

Answer

Regulating economic activities

Question 12

Which criticism most effectively challenges socialism as a viable social policy theory?

Accepted Answer

It encompasses all of the above criticisms

Answer

It is overly idealistic and impractical

Answer

It stifles individual initiative and motivation

Answer

It results in economic inefficiency

Question 13

According to the functionalist perspective, what primary objective should social policies strive to achieve?

Accepted Answer

Preserving social stability and order

Answer

Promoting social transformation

Answer

Empowering individuals to achieve their full potential

Answer

Grounding policy decisions in empirical research

Question 14

Analyze the role of the welfare state in fostering social justice and equality. Evaluate the advantages and limitations of various welfare state models, considering their impact on individuals and communities.

Accepted Answer

The welfare state can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on individuals and communities.

Answer

The welfare state is the sole means of achieving social justice and equality.

Answer

All welfare state models are equally effective in promoting social justice and equality.

Answer

The welfare state is invariably the optimal solution to societal issues.

Question 15

**Summarize the core principles of liberalism and explain how they shape liberal approaches to designing and implementing social policies. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.**

Accepted Answer

Liberalism prioritizes individual liberty, minimal government involvement, and the advantages of a market-based economy.

Answer

Liberalism promotes a robust welfare system with extensive social programs.

Answer

Liberalism advocates for substantial government intervention in the economy to achieve social justice.

Answer

Liberalism opposes the concept of social equality.

Question 16

Which theory of social policy emphasizes the role of the state in providing for the welfare of its citizens and reducing economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Socialism, advocating for state ownership of key industries and the provision of universal social welfare programs.

Answer

Conservatism, prioritizing traditional values and limited government intervention.

Answer

Liberalism, emphasizing individual liberty and market forces.

Question 17

According to conservatism, social policy should primarily focus on what goal?

Accepted Answer

Preserving traditional values, institutions, and social hierarchies.

Answer

Expanding the role of government in providing social welfare services.

Answer

Encouraging individual autonomy and self-reliance.

Answer

Promoting social equality and reducing economic disparities.

Question 18

Which concept is central to feminist theories of social policy?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality, recognizing that individuals experience multiple and overlapping forms of oppression based on factors such as gender, race, and class.

Answer

Welfare dependency, focusing on the negative consequences of government assistance.

Answer

Social stratification, emphasizing the hierarchical nature of society and the unequal distribution of resources.

Answer

Economic inequality, addressing the gap between the wealthy and the poor.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a goal of social policy?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing corporate profits and shareholder value.

Answer

Promoting social justice and reducing inequality.

Answer

Improving the well-being of citizens and their quality of life.

Answer

Providing social protection and safety nets for the vulnerable.

Question 20

What is the concept of 'residualism' in social policy?

Accepted Answer

The idea that social policy should only provide a safety net for those who are unable to support themselves through market mechanisms.

Answer

The belief that social policy should promote universal access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.

Question 21

How can social policy impact social change?

Accepted Answer

By addressing the root causes of social problems, empowering individuals and communities, and influencing societal norms and values.

Answer

By providing temporary relief from social problems without addressing their underlying causes.

Question 22

Which social policy theory emphasizes the role of the individual in creating and maintaining wealth?

Accepted Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Socialism

Answer

Conservatism

Question 23

Under which social policy theory is it believed that the government should play a significant role in regulating the economy and providing social welfare?

Accepted Answer

Socialism

Answer

Liberalism

Answer

Conservatism

Answer

Libertarianism

Question 24

According to conservative social policy theory, which of the following is seen as a crucial societal institution?

Accepted Answer

The family

Answer

The individual

Answer

The state

Answer

The market

Question 25

Which social policy theory emerged as a response to the perceived flaws of both liberalism and conservatism?

Accepted Answer

Social democracy

Answer

Socialism

Answer

Communism

Answer

Marxism

Question 26

The 'safety net' concept in social policy refers to:

Accepted Answer

Minimum level of support provided by the government to those in need.

Answer

The role of non-profit organizations in providing social services.

Answer

The principle of equal distribution of resources.

Question 27

Which of the following is a critique of the liberal approach to social policy?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to inequality and social exclusion.

Answer

It promotes individual freedom.

Answer

It provides a comprehensive approach to social welfare.

Answer

It emphasizes collective responsibility.

Question 28

The principle of 'universalism' in social policy refers to:

Accepted Answer

Providing social benefits to all members of society, regardless of their circumstances.

Answer

Targeting social benefits to those who are most in need.

Answer

Leaving the provision of social welfare primarily to the private sector.

Question 29

Which social policy theory views the state as a tool for achieving social justice and reducing inequality?

Accepted Answer

Socialism

Answer

Conservatism

Answer

Liberalism

Question 30

The 'welfarist' approach to social policy is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

An emphasis on providing financial assistance to those in need.

Answer

A focus on addressing the root causes of social problems.

Answer

A reliance on private charities for social welfare provision.

Question 31

Which of the following is a key difference between social policy and social work?

Accepted Answer

Social policy focuses on the broader societal level, while social work focuses on individual and community interventions.

Answer

Social policy is developed by governments, while social work is practiced by non-governmental organizations.