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

Answer: Family policy refers to government initiatives and laws aimed at supporting families. Its purpose is to improve family welfare, promote equality, and assist with issues like childcare, parental leave, and financial support.

Question 2: Identify two types of family policies in the UK that provide financial support to families. Briefly describe each.

Answer: Two types of policies are: 1) Child Benefit – a regular payment to families with children to help with living costs. 2) Universal Credit – a welfare benefit that assists low-income families with living expenses.

Question 3: Explain how the introduction of shared parental leave policies might influence family roles and responsibilities.

Answer: Shared parental leave allows both parents to take time off after a child's birth, promoting equal involvement in childcare. This can lead to more balanced gender roles within the family and encourage fathers to share responsibilities traditionally undertaken by mothers.

Question 4: Discuss one potential positive and one potential negative impact of family tax credits on family life.

Answer: A positive impact is that tax credits can reduce child poverty and support low-income families. A negative impact might be the potential for families to become dependent on government support, which could discourage employment or self-reliance.

Question 5: Draw a simple diagram to illustrate how a government might allocate resources to different family support programs (e.g., childcare, parental leave, tax credits).

Answer: A correct sketch would show a large central box labeled 'Family Support Budget' with arrows pointing to smaller boxes labeled 'Childcare Funding,' 'Parental Leave Payments,' and 'Tax Credits,' indicating resource distribution.

Question 6: Describe how policies aimed at promoting work-family balance can affect gender equality within families.

Answer: Such policies, like flexible working hours and parental leave, enable both men and women to share work and domestic responsibilities. This can challenge traditional gender roles and promote greater gender equality at home and in the workplace.

Question 7: Evaluate the effectiveness of the UK's family policies in reducing child poverty.

Answer: UK family policies like child benefit and tax credits have helped reduce child poverty by providing financial support. However, effectiveness varies, as some families still struggle due to inadequate coverage, insufficient support levels, or barriers to accessing these services. Overall, these policies contribute positively but may not completely eliminate child poverty.

Question 8: Identify and explain one criticism of government family policies from a sociological perspective.

Answer: A criticism is that policies may reinforce traditional family roles, such as expecting mothers to stay at home, thus perpetuating gender inequalities. Sociologists argue that policies should promote equality and support diverse family structures.

Question 9: Propose one new policy the UK government could introduce to better support modern family needs. Justify your suggestion.

Answer: A proposed policy could be extended paid parental leave for fathers, encouraging shared responsibility for childcare. This would promote gender equality, support child development, and alleviate pressures on mothers. Justification: it aligns with societal shifts towards more equal family roles.