Question 1: Define the term 'family policy' and explain its significance in shaping family life in the UK.

Answer: Family policy refers to government actions and laws that influence family life, such as support for childcare or parental leave. It is significant because it can affect family stability, gender roles, and child development.

Question 2: Identify two specific family policies implemented in the UK in the last decade and briefly describe their purpose.

Answer: Two policies are: 1) Shared Parental Leave, which allows parents to share leave after childbirth, promoting gender equality. 2) Child Benefit payments, which provide financial support to families with children.

Question 3: Discuss how the introduction of paid parental leave might influence traditional family roles.

Answer: Paid parental leave can encourage fathers to take a more active role in childcare, challenging traditional gender roles where mothers are primary caregivers. It promotes equality within the family and can lead to more balanced responsibilities.

Question 4: Explain the potential impact of affordable childcare policies on women's participation in the workforce.

Answer: Affordable childcare makes it easier for women to return to or stay in employment, increasing their economic independence. It can reduce gender inequality in the workplace and support dual-income families.

Question 5: Describe a possible benefit and a possible challenge of implementing universal free childcare in the UK.

Answer: Benefit: It could increase parental employment rates and support child development. Challenge: It may require significant government funding and resources, potentially leading to increased taxes or budget constraints.

Question 6: Sketch a diagram illustrating a family support policy such as paid parental leave. Label the main components involved.

Answer: A correct sketch would include a timeline representing parental leave days, labels for 'Mother,' 'Father,' 'Employer,' and 'Government,' and arrows showing the flow of leave entitlement and financial support.

Question 7: Evaluate how family policies can influence social inequality among different socio-economic groups.

Answer: Family policies like tax credits or free childcare can reduce inequalities by supporting low-income families. However, if access is uneven or policies are limited, inequalities may persist or even widen, as wealthier families benefit more from certain provisions.

Question 8: Identify and explain one criticism that sociologists might have regarding family policies in the UK.

Answer: Sociologists may argue that family policies often reinforce traditional gender roles and do not adequately support diverse family structures, such as same-sex families or single-parent households.

Question 9: Draw a simple flowchart showing how a new family policy might influence family decision-making processes.

Answer: The flowchart should include: Policy introduction → Increased support/resources → Families making different choices (e.g., sharing childcare, workforce participation) → Changes in family dynamics.