SOCIAL POLICY
JENNIFER JAWOROWSKI
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter you will be able to do the following.
 Define social policy
 Define and understand arguments for and against euthanasia
 Define and understand arguments for pro-life and pro-choice
 Identify and understand arguments for and against same-sex marriage
 Describe recent political trend known as the “War on Women”
 Understand health care insurance
 Understand social welfare and programs
WHAT IS SOCIAL POLICY?
Social policy is often hard to define, as it has many aspects to consider. It takes into account
interdisciplinary fields like economics, social psychology, developmental studies, sociology,
and political science, human geography, developmental studies, economics, and
philosophy. When social policy is in effect it can either help to increase or decrease
traditional social assumptions.1 Daniel Beland (2010) defines social policy as “programs
that aim to support the poor, fight inequality and promote citizenship solidarity, reduce
market dependency (i.e., de-commodification), and/ or to protect workers and their families
against specific economic risks” (p.19). Social policy has a great effect on citizens especially
when the economy is going through hard times, national security is at a high state, and the
country is facing natural disasters. In times such as these, social policy helps to protect
citizens from the effects of these threats and events. Social policy also attempts to help to
reduce market dependency by providing citizens with services independent from their
jobs; it promotes the idea that we, as individuals, have to meet certain social obligations
(promoting citizenship solidarity), and it helps to battle against the inequality that citizens
face by providing for citizens with what the United States considers to meet their basic
social needs. Additionally, social policy is also typically implemented to help the poor or
restructure current policies that no longer fulfill functions for which they were originally
meant.2
EUTHANASIA
Euthanasia has its roots from eugenics, which was the science of “improving the human
race.” In 1881 Frances Galton, a naturalist, developed this term. One of his biggest
influences was Charles Darwin, who believed in a “survival of the fittest” theory. The
Encyclopedia Britannica defines Euthanasia as an act or practice of painlessly putting to
death persons suffering from painful and incurable disease or incapacitating physical
disorder or allowing them to die by withholding treatment or withdrawing artificial lifesupport measure.3 Passive euthanasia is the removal of life-support (e.g., respirators);
active euthanasia is the involvement of a physician in performing an action that directly
and immediately results in the patient's death. With euthanasia the physician acts out the
1|Social Policy
patient’s request; in assisted suicide physicians provide the means for the patient to die but
do not perform the action themselves. The main difference between the two forms of
assistance is the degree of physician influence or control over the process leading to the
patient's death. The advances in medical technology have played a key role in the
development of the euthanasia debate: Although medical technology has eliminated many
acute illnesses, degenerative illnesses with a much later onset have increased. And “while
medical technology has extended lifespans, the quality of the prolonged life remains
questionable for those suffering from chronic debilitating, painful illnesses.”4
So far, euthanasia and physician assisted suicide have been legalized in countries such as
Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Physician Assisted Suicide is currently legal
within the United States in Washington, Montana, and Oregon.5 The “Oregon Death with
Dignity Act,” allows a person 18 years or older to ask for a quick and painless death,
through the use of medication. This procedure is only granted to those who are terminally
ill, are six months away from dying, and whose condition is untreatable. To undertake such
procedure, they must make an oral and written request. After 15 days, not less, they must
make an oral request again. At this point, the physician discusses with the patient other
alternatives; (pain control, hospice care, and comfort care), their prognosis, their diagnosis;
the potential risks and results from taking this deadly medication. The patient must also
see another doctor, who then looks at the patient’s medical records to see whether or not
the patient voluntarily made the decision to die. The attending physician must also inform
the patient that any time they can retrieve their request to die medically.6
Those who oppose euthanasia typically argue that by legalizing euthanasia, people are
giving doctors and family members with poor intentions a lot of power. These groups also
often believe voluntary euthanasia could lead to involuntary euthanasia.7
Advocates for euthanasia often argue people have the right to a death that is dignified.
They believe that people have the right to their own bodies, meaning they have the right to
choose how and when they want to die.8
ABORTION
Roe v. Wade decriminalized the act of receiving or performing an abortion through the first
trimester of pregnancy. The Supreme Court ruling made it possible for women to get safe,
legal abortions from well-trained medical practitioners. This led to dramatic decreases in
pregnancy-related injury and death. While the decision made it so states could not restrict
a women’s right to choose through the first trimester, each state has created laws
restricting abortion rights in the second trimester. In the third trimester, the states could
create laws to prohibit abortion or to regulate it; abortion would only be allowed if it
affected the mother’s health and life.9
States are given certain powers with abortion rights. They can make decisions based on
abortion funding; whether an abortion would be funded and if so under what
circumstances. States can decide whether public funds and/or private insurance
companies can fund an abortion. In addition, states have the power to decide who
2|Social Policy
conducts an abortion, where, and when an abortion is allowed, whether or not it is after the
first trimester, and can even require women considering abortion to attend counseling.10
Pro-choice advocates believe women have the right to privacy protected by the
Constitution and argue it is ultimately a woman’s decision whether to have an abortion or
not. They believe that the government should not interfere with a woman’s choice to abort
or not, since it is her body.
Pro-life advocates believe that a fetus is a baby upon conception, when the sperm and egg
unite and become a zygote. At this point, human life has begun, and continues through
different stages. Thus, Pro-life advocates often believe that having an abortion at any stage
of pregnancy is murder.11
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
The American population is made up of 4% of exclusively homosexual people. The
American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental illness in 1973. In
2003, in the case of Lawrence v. Texas, the Supreme Court made it unconstitutional to
criminalize sodomy; it ruled two consenting adults have the right to privacy.12 In 1993, in
the case of Baehr v. Lewin, the Hawaiian Supreme Court declared it was discriminatory to
prohibit someone’s marriage because they were the same-sex, making it the first legal win
for the homosexual community pertaining to marriage rights.
Over the years support for same-sex marriage has increased. According to Pew data, the
percent of people who believe same-sex marriage should be legalized is 49% compared to
40% who do not. Pew results also show that increased support for same-sex marriage has
increased among Hispanics and African Americans.13
Same-sex marriage is now recognized in Argentina, Norway, Spain, Belgium, Iceland,
Denmark, Canada, South Africa, Sweden, parts of Mexico, and parts of the United States.
Currently same-sex marriage has been recognized in ten states: New York, New Hampshire,
Connecticut, Iowa, Washington, D.C, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Vermont. The
following 8 states have either legal or domestic partnerships: Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois,
New Jersey, Rhode Island, California, Oregon, and Nevada.14
Individuals in support of same-sex marriage believe people should be allowed to marry
their significant other. The argument for same sex-marriage often reflects the idea
homosexuals are denied the rights heterosexuals have. Currently, same-sex spouses are not
able to bring their spouses from abroad; therefore leading to immigration issues. In
addition, they cannot file joint tax returns; they have to file separate taxes. Hiring lawyers
to solve this problem would be too expensive; getting a marriage license is cheaper and
guarantees all of those rights. In addition, wills are also challenged.15 Advocates of same
sex-marriage have used studies that support that children who are raised by homosexual
families do not differ in terms of behavioral, cognitive abilities, or emotional development
when compared to those raised by heterosexual families. Rather, many studies actually
3|Social Policy
report children of same-sex couples demonstrating higher academic performances, higher
levels of empathy, and lower levels of disciplinary action in school.1617
Advocates against redefining marriage argue that same-sex marriages will have an impact
on what will be taught in school.18 They also argue that the legislature needs to take things
slowly; they argue that more scientific evidence needs to be obtained on “child–bearing”
and “child-rearing” outside of the traditional family. Opponents of same-sex marriage also
state that since divorce has already negatively affected the institution of marriage, samesex marriage would do the same.19
CHILD CARE
In the last few decades the need for child-care programs has increased. This increase has
had to do with the increase in labor force by women, public policies, an increase in
understanding human brain development and the effects of early learning, the increase in
single-mothers, and demographic trends.20
According to Daniel Be’ land (2009) child-care is a second priority to keeping parents in the
workforce. By doing this, countries are able to fight child- poverty and bring more money
into their economies (through taxes and personal spending).21
According to the National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies
(NACCRRA), the high cost of child-care has caused low-income families to look for nonlicense or license exempt providers. In addition, only a few people qualify for assistance.
The middle class and some poor income families do not qualify. The NACCRRA also
believes that child-care agencies should have people who are better trained to take care of
the needs of children. They argue child-care providers should have more than just a high
school degree and child development units. They contend all child-care programs should
be monitored to ensure that they are following general guidelines and teaching children
and providers should be licensed. Although these programs are few and underfunded
according to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (2011)
the income of families receiving assistance for child-care was $16,680 based on data
obtained from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2007. This amount is
very low and does not help people who are in genuine need.22
One program that has been created to help poor income families is HEAD START/EARLY
START. Head Start was created in 1965; it meets the needs of children from birth to 5
years of age. This program helps families and their children by providing social services,
parenting skills, and connecting parents to schools. It also helps children in their
educational, social, and cognitive development, thus preparing them for school.23
Another program that helps working families is the Dependent Care Tax Credit (DCTC). If
the child is 12 years old or under, and the parent is paying for child-care, most likely they
can file this on the federal income tax return. They will be re-compensated 35% for what
they paid for child-care, about $3,000 for each child.24
4|Social Policy
HEALTH INSURANCE
The Affordable Care Act came into effect in 2014. This law prohibits insurance companies
from preventing people from being insured because of existing medical conditions or
previous medical conditions. This law also prohibits discrimination based on employers’
size and industry, occupation, gender, claims history, and duration of coverage. This law
only allows differences in premiums to be based on geographic location, age, tobacco use,
and family size. This law also allows for employers and customers to re-new their plan
even if they have an existing condition or if they are sick; thus, preventing insurance
companies from refusing to re-new the individual’s health insurance plan. This law will
also allow for young people to be insured by providing a low premium cost and lowering
out of pocket expenses.25
The general benefits that insurance companies must provide are the following: Pediatric
services (vision and oral care included), maternity and newborn care, laboratory services,
preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management, ambulatory patient
services, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, rehabilitative and
facilitative services and devices, and mental health and substance abuse disorder
(behavioral health treatment included). The Essential Health Benefits (EHB) allow for
individuals and groups to make health insurance decisions.26
The Affordable Care Act helps to control health care spending. Employer wellness
programs will be implemented and increased. The new law does not allow discrimination
to wellness programs based on the fact that people have not met a certain weight,
cholesterol level, biometric target, and have stopped or decreased their tobacco usage.
Health-contingent wellness programs are controlled by this act and therefore prevented
from being unfair to people.27
SOCIAL SECURITY
The Social Security Act was signed and passed by Congress in 1935. It was first created to
help the elderly, but has expanded to help the disabled, dependents, and retired workers.28
It helps these individuals through programs like Old Age, Survivors Insurance, Old-Age and
Survivor’s Insurance (OASI), and Disability Insurance. One current issue with Social
Security is economists and politicians agree it will eventually cost more to distribute the
necessary funds than the amount coming in to support it. As a result, new policies need to
come into effect. Policies that have been considered are the following: increasing
retirement age, increasing the payroll tax on social security, increasing benefits for low
earners, and decreasing benefits among others.29
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Unemployment Insurance (UI) is provided to people who meet certain criteria and who
have become unemployed by no fault of their own. An individual’s employer contributes to
the funding of these benefits.30
The UI pays about ½ of the income people used to make for a period of 26 weeks in most
states. The U.S. Department of Labor oversees this system, but the states run it. The states
5|Social Policy
are responsible for setting the benefits, setting eligibility, and paying for the benefits. The
federal government is responsible for administering the program and setting a few
requirements.31
Medicare was created to help the elderly 65 years and older. There are some cases where
Medicare is used to help people who are younger than 65, these cases are when people
have medical conditions such as permanent kidney failure, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or
disabilities. There are four different plans for Medicare. These plans are known as PLAN A,
PLAN B, PLAN C, and PLAN D. Hospital Insurance is under Plan A. Medical Services is paid
under PLAN B. If people have both Plan A and Plan B, they can ask for Plan C, which is
referred to as Medicare Advantage. Plan D helps people pay for their medicine.32
Table 1. The Different Parts of Medicare and Services Covered.33
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Helps cover inpatient care in hospitals
Helps cover skilled nursing facility, hospice, and home health care
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Helps cover doctors’ and other health care providers’ services, outpatient care,
durable medical equipment, and home health care
Helps cover some preventive services to help maintain your health and to keep
certain illnesses from getting worse
Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage)
Offers health plan options run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies.
Medicare Advantage Plans are a way to get the benefits and services covered under
Part A and Part B. Most Medicare Advantage Plans cover Medicare prescription drug
coverage (Part D). Some Medicare Advantage Plans may include extra benefits for an
extra cost.
Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage)
Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs
May help lower your prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs
Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies
There have been governmental talks of increasing the age of Medicare to 67. This would
help the government reduce cost by $125 billion. At the same time, opponents argue that
even retirees would have to pay for their medical needs, Medicaid, or employers.34 If this
happens, then premiums through private companies will increase for people who are 65
through 67 years of age.35
CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (CHIP)
In 1997 Congress created CHIP. The children who do not qualify for Medicaid can qualify
for this program. CHIP helps to pay for doctor visits, hospitalizations, eye and dental care,
immunizations, lab work, and x-rays.36
6|Social Policy
The Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, prevents states from changing the eligibility
requirements. Congress extended the CHIP program through 2015 (with all benefits). From
October 2015 to September 2019 matching funds will be increased by 23%.37
EMPLOYER-ASSISTED HOUSING INITIATIVE
The government gives vouchers to help poor families, disabled, and the elderly. The
families have to find a home where these vouchers are accepted. The government helps to
pay a certain amount of the housing price and the individuals must pay the rest.38
This program helps employees to afford to live in the neighborhoods they work in. Through
this program employer’s provide financial assistance, counseling, among other things.39
PARENTAL LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was passed by President Clinton in 1993.40 This
act allows for employees to take 12 weeks off if they meet the following conditions. 1. The
birth of a baby 2. The adoption of a child. 3. Becoming a new foster parent. 4. To care for a
child, spouse, or parent who is seriously ill. 5. Becoming ill oneself. 6. A family member
from the military becomes ill. 7. A family member of a person in the military has a serious
condition arise as a result of the military family member being on leave.41
Out of 178 nations, the United States is one of a very few that does not offer paid maternity
leave benefits for mothers. (Others that do not offer paid leave are Papua New Guinea,
Suriname, and Liberia).42 Over 50 countries offer paid leave for fathers in addition to
mothers. Figure 1 shows a variety of nations and how many weeks of paid maternity leave
they provide. In the U.S., under the FMLA, women can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid
maternity leave. Leave may be taken for birth or adoption.43 Companies with less than 50
employees are exempt from providing this leave.44
7|Social Policy
Figure 1. How the Zero Weeks of Paid Maternity Leave in the U.S. Compare Globally.45
Retrieved from http://www.polity.co.uk/shortintroductions/samples/dean-sample.pdf
Béland, D. (2010).What is Social Policy: Understanding the Welfare State, Policy Press.
3 Euthanasia. (2012). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://original.search.eb.com/eb/article9033299
4 Galbraith, K. M., & Dobson, K. S. (2000). The role of the psychologist in determining competence for assisted
suicide/euthanasia in the terminally ill. Canadian Psychology, 41(3), 174-183. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.canyons.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/220786451?accountid=3
8295
5 Retrieved from http://www.patientsrightscouncil.org/site/frequently-asked-questions/
6 Retrieved from
http://public.health.oregon.gov/ProviderPartnerResources/EvaluationResearch/DeathwithDignityAct/Page
s/ors.aspx
7 Retrieved from http://www.healthinaging.org/aging-and-health-a-to-z/topic:end-of-life-care/
8 Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/article/human-euthanasia-the-debate-the-arguments-for-bothsides
9 Linton, P. B. (2007). The legal status of abortion in the states if roe v. wade is overruled. Issues in Law &
Medicine, 23(1), 3-43.
10 Retrieved from http://www.guttmacher.org/statecenter/spibs/spib_OAL.pdf
11 Retrieved from http://www.whyprolife.com/pro-choice-arguments/#ixzz2Ija4jWId
12 Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/supremecourt/future/landmark_lawrence.html
13 Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/08/us/justices-consider-same-sex-marriage-cases-fordocket.html
14 Retrieved from http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/18/timeline-same-sex-marriage/
1
2
8|Social Policy
Retrieved from http://lesbianlife.about.com/cs/wedding/a/unionvmarriage.htm
Goldberg, A. E., Kashy, D. A., & Smith, J. Z. (2012). Gender-typed play behavior in early childhood: Adopted
children with lesbian, gay, and heterosexual parents. Sex Roles, 67(9-10), 503-515.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11199-012-0198-3
17 Ahmann, E. (1999). Working with families having parents who are gay or lesbian. Pediatric Nursing, 25(5),
531-5. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.canyons.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/199385499?accountid=3
8295
18 Retrieved from http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/arguments-gay-marriage-society-brace-corrosivechange-article-1.131144
19 Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/the-legal-case-against-gay-marriage-201211#ixzz2GoZACUMX
20 Retrieved from http://research.upjohn.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=up_bookchapters
21 Retrieved from Béland, D. (2010).What is Social Policy: Understanding the Welfare State, Policy Press.
22 Retrieved from http://www.naccrra.org/sites/default/files/default_site_pages/2011
/publicpolicyagenda_comp.pdf
23 Wrobel, S. (2012). FROM THREAT TO OPPORTUNITY: A HEAD START PROGRAM'S RESPONSE TO STATEFUNDED PRE-K. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 35(1), 74-105.
24 Retrieved from http://www.irs.gov/uac/Ten-Things-to-Know-About-the-Child-and-Dependent-Care-Credit
25 Retrieved from http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/11/market-reforms11202012a.html
26 Retrieved from http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/11/ehb11202012a.html
27 Retrieved from http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/11/wellness11202012a.html
28 Retrieved from Social Security Act. (2012). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from
http://original.search.eb.com/eb/article-9068456
29 Retrieved from http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/ftpdocs/115xx/doc11580/07-01ssoptions_forweb.pdf
30 Gritz, R. M., & MaCurdy, T. (1997). Measuring the influence of unemployment insurance on unemployment
experiences. Journal of Business & Economic Statistics, 15(2), 130-152.
31 Ibid
32 Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medicare.html
33 Retrieved from http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11514.pdf
34 Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-poll-raising-the-medicareeligibility-age-20121212,0,2873677.story
35 Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2012/12/10/medicare-debtfiscalcliff/1750949/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newsmain2+%
28News+-+Flipboard%29
36 Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/policy-priorities/childrens-health/medicaid-chip/
37 Retrieved from http://www.youthlaw.org/publications/yln/2012/jan_mar_2012/
health_care_reforms_impact_on_low_income_youth/
38 Belec, J. (1997). The dominion housing act. Urban History Review, 25(2), 53.
39 Ibid
k.72BF/Employer_Assisted_Housing.htm
40 Phillips, B. D. (2002). The economic costs of expanding the family and medical leave act to small business.
Business Economics, 37(2), 44-54. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.canyons.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/199808953?accountid=3
8295
41 Ibid
42
"In Paid Family Leave, U.S. Trails Most of the Globe." New York Times. February 22, 2013. Retrieved 201305-07.
43
http://fmlaonline.com/fmla-pregnancy/
44
Retrieved from http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/05/24/489973/paid-maternity-leave-us/
45 Retrieved from http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/05/24/489973/paid-maternity-leave-us/
15
16
9|Social Policy