Scope of Social Policy

·      Social policy is about welfare

Social policy, as a scope concerned with welfare, focuses on improving the well-being of individuals and communities by addressing basic needs such as health, education, housing, and income security. It involves the design and implementation of programs and services aimed at reducing poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive support to maintain a minimum standard of living. Through welfare-oriented social policies, governments and institutions seek to promote social stability, enhance quality of life, and foster equitable access to resources and opportunities for all members of society.

·      Social policy is about policy

Social policy, as a scope concerned with policy emphasizes the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of formal rules, regulations, and programs that govern social life. It involves deliberate decisions made by governments, institutions, or organizations to address societal needs, allocate resources, and regulate social behavior. By focusing on policy, social policy ensures that social interventions are systematic, coordinated, and aligned with broader societal goals, such as equity, justice, and sustainable development, rather than being ad hoc or purely charitable efforts.

·      Social policy is concerned with issues that are social

Social policy as a scope concerned with social issues focuses on addressing the challenges and needs arising from the structure and functioning of society. It deals with problems such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, health disparities, education gaps, and social exclusion, which affect the well-being of individuals and communities. By targeting these social issues, social policy seeks to create solutions that improve the quality of life, promote social cohesion, and ensure that all members of society have equitable access to opportunities and resources.

·      Social policy is an applied subject

Social policy as an applied subject emphasizes its practical orientation in addressing real-world social problems. It involves the use of theories, research, and evidence to design, implement, and evaluate programs and interventions that improve social welfare and justice. By being applied, social policy bridges the gap between academic knowledge and societal practice, ensuring that policies are not only conceptually sound but also effective in responding to the needs of communities and promoting social well-being.

·      Social Policy as Regulation of Social Relations

Social policy as a scope focused on the regulation of social relations, aims to shape and manage interactions within society to ensure fairness, stability, and social cohesion. It establishes rules, norms, and frameworks that govern relationships among individuals, groups, and institutions, addressing issues such as inequality, discrimination, and power imbalances. By regulating social relations, social policy seeks to create a structured and just society where rights are protected, conflicts are minimized, and opportunities for participation and inclusion are promoted for all members.

·      Social Policy as Promotion of Social Justice

Social policy as a scope focused on the promotion of social justice, aims to create a fair and equitable society by addressing structural inequalities and ensuring that all individuals have access to opportunities, rights, and resources. It involves designing and implementing programs that reduce poverty, combat discrimination, and empower marginalized groups, thereby fostering inclusion and equality. Through this lens, social policy is not only about providing welfare but also about transforming societal structures to promote fairness, human dignity, and equal participation for everyone.

·      Social Policy as Resource Allocation

Social policy as a scope concerned with resource allocation, focuses on the distribution of financial, human, and material resources to meet societal needs effectively and equitably. It involves determining priorities, funding social programs, and ensuring that resources reach vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. By managing how resources are allocated, social policy seeks to reduce inequality, promote social welfare, and support sustainable development, ensuring that the benefits of economic and social progress are shared across all segments of society.

·      Social Policy as a Response to Social Problems

Social policy as a scope focused on responding to social problems, aims to identify, analyze, and address issues that negatively affect individuals and communities, such as poverty, unemployment, health disparities, and social exclusion. It involves designing interventions and programs that provide practical solutions, prevent further social harm, and improve quality of life. By tackling social problems directly, social policy helps create a more equitable and stable society where citizens’ basic needs are met, and social well-being is promoted.

·      Social Policy as Planning and Governance

Social policy as a scope concerned with planning and governance, emphasizes the systematic design, implementation, and oversight of social programs and interventions. It involves setting objectives, developing strategies, coordinating institutions, and monitoring outcomes to ensure that social initiatives effectively address community needs. By integrating planning and governance, social policy promotes accountability, efficiency, and transparency, ensuring that resources are used wisely and that social goals—such as equity, welfare, and inclusion—are achieved in a sustainable and organized manner.

·      Social Policy as a Tool for Social Change

Social policy as a scope viewed as a tool for social change focuses on using laws, programs, and interventions to transform societal structures, attitudes, and behaviors toward greater equity and inclusion. It seeks to challenge systemic inequalities, promote human rights, and encourage progressive development in areas such as education, health, and employment. By driving social change, social policy not only addresses immediate welfare needs but also shapes long-term societal progress, fostering a more just, cohesive, and empowered community.

·      Social Policy as an Interdisciplinary Field

Social policy as a scope viewed as an interdisciplinary field that highlights its integration of knowledge and methods from sociology, economics, political science, law, and public administration to understand and address complex social issues. By drawing on multiple disciplines, social policy analyzes societal needs, evaluates interventions, and informs the design of effective programs and legislation. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that social policies are evidence-based, contextually relevant, and capable of promoting welfare, equity, and sustainable development across diverse communities.

10 Definition of social Policy