Understanding Social Welfare Policy and the Policy-Making Process

  

Discussion 1: Policy Development
Often, policymakers develop policies in response to a recent societal problem or event. Whereas some societal problems, such as homelessness, unemployment, and poverty, require long-term policy development and refinement, society sometimes demands immediate policy implementation in response to events or problems that proved dangerous for society at large. For example, the U.S. terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent terrorist threats heightened airport security and created item restrictions for airplane carry-on luggage. Over time, policymakers adjusted these policies as the danger appeared less imminent due to the development of other policies. What policies are you aware of that policymakers developed in response to a societal problem or event? Are those policies effective responses to the problems or events? If not, how might you change them in order to make them more effective?
For this Discussion, review this week’s resources. Using reputable news and education sources, search for an event that led to the formation of a social policy. Then, consider what changes you might make to the policy that resulted from this event. Finally, think about the role of social work (as a profession and political lobby) in the formation of the policy.
By Day 3
Post a brief explanation of the event you selected that led to the formation of a social policy. Then, explain what changes you would make to the policy that resulted from this event and why. Finally, explain the role of social work (as a profession and political lobby) in the formation of the policy.
Discussion 2: Ideological Perspectives of Population-Specific Policy
Social workers often are very aware of and informed about the needs of the specific populations with which they work. As a result, it is important that social workers get involved in the policy-creation process by sharing their experiences and perspectives with others, including policymakers.
For this Discussion, select a population of particular interest to you. Then, select three to five policies (including two to three state-level and two to three federal-level policies) related to that population. Finally, subscribe to a variety of blog alerts concerning the population and the policies you selected. Note that you will be discussing about these policies throughout the course. You will also critically review the published opinions of bloggers outside of this course, who write about the policies you identified.
By Day 4
Post a brief description of the population you selected. Then, provide a description of three to five policies (including two to three state-level and two to three federal-level policies) related to that population. Finally, explain the relationship between the policies and the population you selected.