Comparison of the Clark Labor Government with the Key Government
Compare and contrast the social policies of the Clark Labour Government (1999-2008) with those of the Key Government (2008-present)
Introduction
Key Government has many similar ideas as the Clark Labour Government. In order to compare two different governments, we need to know the context of the whole society including economy, politics, culture, international environment. The problems and needs in these society, the causes of diverse problems, the ideology and value of different governments and policies they promote are also significant. In this essay, we are going to discuss the similarities and differences of policies between the Clark Labour Government and the Key Government from the aspect of ideology.
Social Policy
Social policies, are mouthpieces of the government to present what they really concern and externalize the guiding ideologies that they believe. Social policies can be defined as “actions that affect the well-being of members of a society through shaping the distribution of and access to goods and resources in that society” (Cheyne, O’Brien & Belgrave, 2008, p3). They including engagements of housing, health, education, employment, social security and so on. Chambers and Bonk (2013) also claim that social policies are to tackle diverse social problems. They are influenced by what kinds of economic context of the society, what individuals and social groups need, what kinds of theories and ideologies guiding the government, what constitutional and political systems operating, and what kinds of outcomes and drawbacks of the current policies (Cheyne, O’Brien & Belgrave, 2008).
Moreover, the interactions between theoretical perspectives and social policies are of great significance for comparing and contrasting two different governments. Theoretical perspectives, as guidelines of decision-making for the government, are conceptual models for social policies. Social policies, reflecting the gains and losses of various kinds of social groups, are
Introduction
Key Government has many similar ideas as the Clark Labour Government. In order to compare two different governments, we need to know the context of the whole society including economy, politics, culture, international environment. The problems and needs in these society, the causes of diverse problems, the ideology and value of different governments and policies they promote are also significant. In this essay, we are going to discuss the similarities and differences of policies between the Clark Labour Government and the Key Government from the aspect of ideology.
Social Policy
Social policies, are mouthpieces of the government to present what they really concern and externalize the guiding ideologies that they believe. Social policies can be defined as “actions that affect the well-being of members of a society through shaping the distribution of and access to goods and resources in that society” (Cheyne, O’Brien & Belgrave, 2008, p3). They including engagements of housing, health, education, employment, social security and so on. Chambers and Bonk (2013) also claim that social policies are to tackle diverse social problems. They are influenced by what kinds of economic context of the society, what individuals and social groups need, what kinds of theories and ideologies guiding the government, what constitutional and political systems operating, and what kinds of outcomes and drawbacks of the current policies (Cheyne, O’Brien & Belgrave, 2008).
Moreover, the interactions between theoretical perspectives and social policies are of great significance for comparing and contrasting two different governments. Theoretical perspectives, as guidelines of decision-making for the government, are conceptual models for social policies. Social policies, reflecting the gains and losses of various kinds of social groups, are
References: Bennett, P. (2012). Welfare reform legislation to be introduced. Retrieved from http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/welfare-reform-legislation-be-introduced Chambers, D. , & Bonk, J.F. (2013). Social policy and social programs. United State of America: Pearson Education Cheyne, C., O’Brien, M., & Belgrave, M. (2008). Social policy in Aotearoa New Zealand Employment Relations Act, No. 24. (2000). Retrieved from http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2000/0024/latest/ Key, J. (2012). Mixed ownership: More savings opportunities. Retrieved from http://www.national.org.nz/budget2011/Mixed_ownership-more_savings_opportunities.pdf Key, J. (2013). Key notes: Improving public services, getting results. Retrieved from http://www.johnkey.co.nz/archives/1799-Key-Notes-Improving-public-services,-getting-results.html Nolan, M. (2010). Classic third way or before its time: The New Zealand labour party in local and transnational context