Assignment 1: Discussion—Philosophical Viewpoints on Social Welfare Policies
Identify the aspects of the policy that reflect a conservative perspective and the aspects that reflect a
liberal perspective and explain the impact of the mixed ideological foundation on the focus and structure
of the policy.
Brief description of conservative and liberal perspectives on abortion:
According to Student News Daily, Conservatives oppose abortion in the belief that human life begins at
conception and abortion is considered killing another human being and the government should have no
responsibility for the cost of an abortion. On the other hand, Liberals favor abortion in the belief that an embryo
is yet to be a human life and doesn’t have singular human rights. A women should have all rights to pro-choice,
a woman’s body, a women’s choice. Without government interference of that choice but assist in the cost of
health care for abortion if needed. (Student News Daily, 2010)
When evaluating module two textbook readings, Social Policy and Social Change: Toward the Creation of
Social and Economic Justice, under chapter 2, I came across this information; “The Constitution as it stands,
therefore, does not encourage federal intervention in a host of social issues—such as civil rights, poverty, and
abortion, for example—that are hallmarks of government intervention today. This view of the power of the
federal government as a possible threat to individual freedom dominated political discourse in the 19th century.
Known as laissez faire (hands off), a strong belief that a powerful federal government would destroy individual
liberty limited the federal response to social problems. This belief in the dangers of government, particularly
federal power, continues to characterize conservatives today, who subscribe to similar views about the dangers
of government power to individual liberty,” (Jimenez, A., J., Pasztor, Mayers, E., Chambers, (McDonald), R.
M., 03/2014).
Generally, this appears to be a contradiction of conservatives when we compare the fact that conservatives are
against liberal ideology of abortion, by the last sentence of this quote stating that, This belief in the dangers of
government, particularly federal power, continues to characterize conservatives today, who subscribe to similar
views about the dangers of government power to individual liberty,” (Jimenez, A., J., Pasztor, Mayers, E.,
Chambers, (McDonald), R. M., 03/2014).
But, I could be interpreting this all wrong, I am trying to view both sides with non bias and open minded
understanding of factual data. And the conclusion I’ve came upon after many hours of researching conservative
and liberal ideological perspectives on social welfare policies, is that somewhere along the lines of social
welfare policies both sides contradict themselves. If both sides would be more open minded, step out of tunnel
vision, place personal belief systems aside and work together with the facts and data that they do have. I believe
a lot more could be accomplished in the sense of fulfilling their moral principles and triumphing their national
objectives for an enhanced successful future for all of humanity.
Discuss how the policymaking of one other country aligns with or differs from the United States due to its
cultural history with examples to explain why the policymaking is similar or different.
Australia is predominantly made of two main parties, Liberal and Labor, and is known as a two-party system.
“Due to the nature of the parliamentary system in Australia, however, minority parties and independent
members of parliament can have a significant influence on legislation, government policy and elections,” (Red
Apple Education, n.d.).
Liberal Party of Australia
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Right-wing of politics.
Battles for power with Australian Labor Party both at a federal level and in State and Territory polls.
Backs free market economic policies.
Promotes the liberalization of finance and business.
By tradition, the Liberal Party has changed economic policies, such as executing high import taxes,
since the 80s they’ve been the party of economic rationalism.
As for social policy, the Liberal Party is conservative party.
The Liberal Party has followed a strong stand on mandatory imprisonment for illegal immigrants,
backing of Australia's alliance with the U.S., predominantly with foreign policy.
The entirety of the Liberal Party shadows a conservative economic and social outline.
Red Apple Education, n.d.
Australian Labor Party
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At the start of the 1970’s the ALP has grown into more of a middle-class party. Their factions are made
of educated white-collar professionals, for instance teachers, lawyers, union officials and so on.
They are formally a social democratic party.
These factions usually favor the government getting involved in employing social justice welfare and
economic success.
Most recently has opposed federal level but has remained in power of various Australian States.
As society has progressed over time, so has the Labor’s policy platform.
Initially dedicated to the labour movement and employees’ rights, and gradually became involved with
market-based ideologies. Also, concerns to consist of women’s issues, internal affairs and
environmentalism.
Overall, the Australian Labor Party was initially created the bases of workers’ rights and social justice
but in the 1980’s and 90’s the conversions of government systems incorporated economic rationalism to
thrust the success of the economy.
Red Apple Education, n.d.
References
Red Apple Education, (n.d.). The Major Parties and Their Beliefs. Retrieve August 05, 2016. Retrieved from
http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-58_u-408_t-1022_c-3927/the-major-parties-and-their-beliefs/qld/sose-economyand-society/political-involvement/participation-in-the-democratic-process
Student News Daily, 2010. Conservatives vs. Liberal. Retrieved on August 25, 2016. Retrieved from
https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/conservative-vs-liberal-beliefs/
Jimenez, A., J., Pasztor, Mayers, E., Chambers, (McDonald), R. M. (03/2014). Social Policy and Social
Change: Toward the Creation of Social and Economic Justice, 2nd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online].
Retrieved from https://digitalbookshelf.argosy.edu/#/books/9781483324159/
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