Crisis and Social Policy.pptVIP

Crisis and Social Policy What are the implications of the term “crisis”? Sociologically, there are several core ways which it can be interpreted, even within the parameters of its relationship to social policy. According to essayist Michael Moran 1988 , crisis is: a an “external blow” to a state or institution, or catastrophe often a highly creative time for policy creation b an abrupt change when social norms change, participants will have no choice but to form new identities c a contradiction consider the criticisms of the welfare state studied in lecture materials. Many consider the very nature of a welfare state in a capitalistic society to be fraught with contradiction Simplified: Crisis is change or perceived contradiction which calls the participants to call into question their identity and values in the scope of contemporary life Fiscal Crisis In recent years, fiscal problems have been exacting their toll on economies and state policies In wake of first and second World Wars, the states of developed capitalistic societies began assuming new responsibilities; providing social services to those in need and managing economic infrastructure Block, 1981. The strain of these increased expenditures began to show itself in the late 1960’s Economic growth slowed, and the raising of taxes to support these new roles forced governments to cut back state expenditures as much as possible such as social policy Block, 1981 Views Some theorists such as James OConnor assert that these issues arise from an intrinsic discrepancy between the roles of the state and the economy in modern capitalistic societies. The state is expected to provide a spectrum of services without raising taxes beyond a reasonable level Alternatively, the state must also make provisions to foster an environment where accumulation of wealth is possible Block, 1981 When both of these roles cannot be fulfilled, the state is forced to cut services, raise taxes, or “…undermine th