Question 1: Define the term 'family policy' and explain its purpose in the context of UK society.

Answer: Family policy refers to government initiatives and laws aimed at supporting and regulating family life. Its purpose is to promote family well-being, support different family structures, and address social issues related to families.

Question 2: Identify two examples of UK family policies introduced in the last 20 years and briefly describe their objectives.

Answer: Example 1: The Shared Parental Leave policy, which allows parents to share parental leave more equally after the birth of a child. Its objective is to promote gender equality and support working parents. Example 2: The Free Childcare Policy, providing funded childcare for children from a certain age to support working parents and reduce childcare costs.

Question 3: Discuss how the introduction of the right to paid parental leave might influence family life in the UK.

Answer: Paid parental leave allows parents to spend more time with their newborns, strengthening family bonds. It can promote gender equality by encouraging both parents to take leave, and reduce financial stress during early family stages. However, it may also impact workplaces and employment patterns.

Question 4: Explain the concept of 'family diversity' and describe how family policies can support diverse family structures.

Answer: Family diversity refers to the variety of family arrangements beyond the traditional nuclear family, such as single-parent families, same-sex couples, or multi-generational households. Family policies can support this diversity by providing targeted benefits, legal recognition, and inclusive services that cater to different family types.

Question 5: Describe one potential negative consequence of family policies that assume traditional family roles.

Answer: Such policies may reinforce gender stereotypes, limiting opportunities for men and women to choose roles freely, and may marginalize non-traditional families by not providing adequate support.

Question 6: Draw a diagram illustrating how government support (such as benefits or services) can flow from the government to families. Label the key components and pathways.

Answer: A correct diagram would show the government at the top, connected by arrows to various support mechanisms like benefits, childcare services, or legal protections, which then connect to different types of families (e.g., nuclear, single-parent, same-sex). The diagram should clearly label each component and pathway.

Question 7: Sketch a simple flowchart of how a family might access government family support services, starting from identifying a need to receiving support.

Answer: The flowchart should include steps such as: Family identifies need → Contacts relevant government agency or service → Completes application or assessment → Receives support (e.g., benefits, advice, services). The sketch should be clear and logically organized.

Question 8: Evaluate the impact of recent family policies on gender roles within UK families.

Answer: Recent policies promoting shared parental leave and flexible working have aimed to encourage equal participation in childcare and domestic tasks. This can lead to more egalitarian gender roles, challenging traditional expectations. However, cultural norms and workplace practices may slow this progress.

Question 9: In your opinion, what additional family policy could better support working families in the UK? Justify your answer with sociological reasoning.

Answer: An effective policy could be extended paid parental leave for both parents, encouraging shared responsibilities. Sociologically, this supports gender equality and helps break down traditional gender stereotypes, leading to more equal family dynamics and better child development outcomes.