Developing Social Policy of Community Services
Assessment 1: Written Response to reading (20%)
Due Date: Week 3
Word count: 1000 words
Welfare Frameworks
Written task to demonstrate understanding of the foundational social policy concepts from the unit readings: ‘welfare’ and ‘ideology’.
You have been provided with speeches or articles below.
Ensure that they represent two different ideological positions—for example, one
‘Social-Democratic’ and one ‘Neoliberal,’ .
(Note there are two newspaper articles put together to form one document. There are writers as well as speakers quoted in these articles. The ideological analysis will focus on the words used by the speakers.)
Undertake an analysis of two of the provided speeches and indicate what sort of concept does it say in relation to both ideology (Social-Democratic’ and one ‘Neoliberal,’).
Which ideology (from Fenna reading) underpins the speakers’ view of welfare in each speech?
Justify your selection of these ideologies (with examples form the speech).
You will Interpret the dominant ideologies underpinning the speech by analysing the historical context and the language (words and sentences) used in the speech /article against the theoretical descriptions of welfare concepts and ideologies found in the required readings for weeks 2 and 3 (Fenna).
Discuss
• How the speaker conceptualises human nature. i.e the terms they use to signify people and whether they understand people as individuals or part of larger social groups and contexts.
• How, in their view, is welfare produced? Who is responsible for welfare?
• What is the role of government?
• Is their understanding of welfare social, occupational, or fiscal?
• Do they have universal or targeted approaches to social policy in mind?
Without giving answer to above questions in reference to ideology (Social-Democratic’ and one ‘Neoliberal,’.) you will not be able to pass this assessment
All these characteristics of their view of welfare will be underpinned by a wider ideological stance that you will name and justify with reference to the language used in the speeches.
By following the above questions you need to :
1.Demonstrated comprehension of welfare and ideological concepts
2. Demonstrated analysis skills
3. Demonstrated use of literature
The essay will be written in formal academic style, with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction will define and locate ideology as a key feature of policy analysis for community service work. The body will contain your logical points. The conclusion will summarise your points.
You are required to reference at least two required readings, at least two academic texts or article that you have located yourself and each speech.
You need to use APA7 referencing style for this assessment.
Social-Democratic’ and one ‘Neoliberal,’ Articles (week 2) and Fenna reading (week 3)are provided in your Assessment portal in the form of word documents .
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Ideology and Welfare
In this essay, I will analyze two speeches that represent different ideological positions on welfare. The first speech is by Bill Clinton, a social democrat, and the second speech is by Ronald Reagan, a neoliberal. I will discuss how each speaker conceptualizes human nature, how they believe welfare is produced, who they believe is responsible for welfare, what role they believe the government should play in welfare, and whether they have a universal or targeted approach to social policy.
Bill Clinton
Clinton’s speech is a good example of social democratic ideology. He believes that human nature is fundamentally good, and that people are capable of working together to solve problems. He believes that welfare is produced by a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and discrimination. He believes that the government has a responsibility to help those who are in need, and that welfare should be a universal program that is available to everyone who needs it.
In his speech, Clinton talks about the importance of helping those who are less fortunate. He says, “We must never forget that the most important measure of our progress is not how many millionaires we have, but how many children are raised in poverty.” He also talks about the importance of education and job training, saying, “We must make sure that every child has a chance to get a good education, and that every adult who wants a job can get the training they need to get a good job.”
Clinton’s speech is a good example of how social democrats view welfare. They believe that welfare is a right, not a privilege, and that everyone who needs it should be able to access it. They also believe that the government has a responsibility to help those who are in need, and that welfare should be a universal program that is available to everyone.
Ronald Reagan
Reagan’s speech is a good example of neoliberal ideology. He believes that human nature is fundamentally flawed, and that people are motivated by self-interest. He believes that welfare is produced by government intervention in the economy, and that it creates a culture of dependency. He believes that the government should not be involved in welfare, and that the private sector is better equipped to solve social problems.
In his speech, Reagan talks about the dangers of government dependency. He says, “Welfare has become a way of life for millions of Americans. It has become a trap, a dead end, a permanent underclass.” He also talks about the importance of work, saying, “The best anti-poverty program is a job.”
Reagan’s speech is a good example of how neoliberals view welfare. They believe that welfare is a bad thing, and that it creates a culture of dependency. They believe that the government should not be involved in welfare, and that the private sector is better equipped to solve social problems.
Conclusion
The two speeches that I have analyzed represent two different ideological positions on welfare. Clinton’s speech is a good example of social democratic ideology, while Reagan’s speech is a good example of neoliberal ideology. Social democrats believe that welfare is a right, not a privilege, and that everyone who needs it should be able to access it. They also believe that the government has a responsibility to help those who are in need, and that welfare should be a universal program that is available to everyone. Neoliberals, on the other hand, believe that welfare is a bad thing, and that it creates a culture of dependency. They believe that the government should not be involved in welfare, and that the private sector is better equipped to solve social problems.
The ideological differences between social democrats and neoliberals are reflected in their different approaches to social policy. Social democrats believe in a strong role for the government in providing social welfare, while neoliberals believe in a limited role for the government. These different approaches have a significant impact on the lives of people who rely on welfare.
