Theory and Methods: Social Policy
Social Policy Modern Day Positivists: Collect data and do research for the government. They believe that they are being objective, however they are not. The government give them a remit to work to and it can be swayed by the government. For example, EMA and the 'Black Report'. Modern day positivists aren't the only people who do research for the government, sociologists do too. The level of influence a sociologist has on the government: Electoral popularity: Will the research help the party gain popularity? Ideology of the government: Is the research complimentary of the party beliefs? Interest groups: Do the media like the policy? Funding sources: Will the businesses that fund the party approve the policy? Critical sociology: Does the sociologist have a history for being critical of the party? Cost: Will the party be able to afford to implement the policy? Globalisation: Will the European Union allow the policy
