Every government has a mandate to sustain the well-being of its people by introducing regular welfare policies. Policy making and implementation are major duties of any government, with successful initiatives earning public approval and failures facing backlash. The study of Public Administration prominently emerged in the era of former American President Woodrow Wilson, who later became known as the father of Public Administration. Public policy and social policy are major subdisciplines of Public Administration.
The key difference between public policy and social policy lies in their focus. Public policy includes policy implementation across all sectors, whereas social policy pertains specifically to policies aimed at existing social issues.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Public Policy
3. What is Social Policy
4. Similarities – Public Policy and Social Policy
5. Public Policy vs Social Policy in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Public Policy vs Social Policy
7. FAQ – Public Policy and Social Policy
What is Public Policy?
Public policy encompasses a set of laws, regulations, and guidelines provided by the government. When problems arise in society, the state has the power to intervene immediately and resolve them. Public policy can be shaped by several interest groups in society, as they advocate for the interests of the public or specific communities, thereby influencing the policymaking process. The implementation of public policy processes differs from one country to another, depending on the ideological background of the ruling government and the national interest. Executing public policy remains a primary function of the government.
What is Social Policy?
Social policy refers to the welfare measures introduced by the government to fulfill the needs of society. It encompasses various aspects such as healthcare systems, education, employment, etc. Social policies place a significant emphasis on improving the well-being of socially disadvantaged individuals within society. According to Nicholas Barr, the establishment of a welfare state can be achieved through the evolution of social policies. These policies are deeply intertwined with socio-economic and cultural epochs, focusing on addressing prevailing issues in society.
Similarities Between Public Policy and Social Policy
- Both public and social policies have legal status, meaning they are officially recognized and enforced by the government. This legal status provides legitimacy to the policies and ensures compliance from individuals and organizations within society.
- Both public and social policies are influenced by various interest groups within society. These interest groups, which can include advocacy organizations, businesses, community groups, and professional associations, play a significant role in shaping policy agendas, influencing decision-making processes, and advocating for specific policy outcomes. Their input and influence can impact the design, implementation, and evaluation of both public and social policies.
Difference Between Public Policy and Social Policy
Definition
- Public Policy, in a broad sense, encompasses every action of the government, including diplomacy, foreign policy, trade policies, and public sector policies.
- On the other hand, social policies primarily focus on societal welfare aspects such as healthcare, education, community services, and housing.
Focus Areas
- Public policy targets long-term societal goals like industrial development and business, addressing large segments of the population.
- Conversely, social policy focuses on specific populations within society, such as socially marginalized groups and persons with disabilities.
Target Population
- Public policy formation primarily occurs within governmental institutions through legislative processes, executive decisions, and bureaucratic procedures.
- In contrast, social policy formation involves a broader range of stakeholders, including advocacy groups, research organizations, and community members.
Policy Making and Execution
- Public policy execution is mainly within the government’s purview.
- Social policy involves not only governmental intervention but also various stakeholders, interest groups, and organizations within society. These stakeholders play a significant role in shaping and implementing social policies, making the process more collaborative and inclusive compared to the more centralized approach of public policy execution.
Below is a summary of the difference between public policy and social policy in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Public Policy vs Social Policy
Public policy encompasses a broad range of governmental actions across sectors, while social policy specifically targets the needs of marginalized groups. Both are influenced by various stakeholders and aim to improve societal well-being, but their formation and execution processes differ. Recognizing the difference between public policy and social policy is vital for effective governance and policy implementation, ensuring equitable development for all members of society.
FAQ: Public Policy and Social Policy
1. What are the two major types of public policy?
- The two major types of public policy are substantive and regulatory. Substantive policies are deeply connected to community development and well-being, while regulatory policies focus on governing aspects such as trade, business operations, and security measures.
2. What is the meaning of lobbying?
- Lobbying refers to the practice of individuals or groups attempting to influence government decisions in favor of their own interests or the interests of a particular community.
3. What is the difference between economic policy and social policy?
- Economic policy pertains to decisions and actions concerning the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a country. Social policy, on the other hand, encompasses measures aimed at addressing social issues such as healthcare, education, welfare, and poverty alleviation.
4. Is public policy part of economics?
- Public policy and economics are closely related but distinct fields. While economics provides analytical tools for understanding the impacts of policies, public policy encompasses broader considerations, including societal values, politics, and legal frameworks.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Public Policy.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “What areas of public policy are most important for Wikimedia?” By RMaung (WMF) – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia