Choose one social policy area and write an essay in which you address the following: Define and describe the social policy, policy proposal or area of reform: CHOOSE ONE social policy area and write an essay in which you address the following: define and describe the social policy, policy proposal or area of reform it can be a general policy, proposal or area of reform such as Poverty and income Maintenance Indigenous wellbeing Housing Affordability Immigration Child welfare Education Disability Climate change In Australia Summarise the key elements of the policy or proposed policy – i.e. its specific detail and/or provisions Research the policy area and provide relevant information regarding the history of the policy, the responsible area of government, the nature of the institution or agency, where/how the policy fits with existing arrangements/practice, the issue that the policy will address or change, the changes that are proposed (what will be added, modified or replaced?), events that triggered the change/reform, etc. Review the policy, policy proposal or policy reform documentation: Read the policy document and any associated material/s (such as background or consultation papers, inquiry reports and recommendations, etc.) Critically evaluate the policy/proposal/reform by addressing the following questions: a) What is the policy ‘problem’ represented to be? That is, what kind of ‘problem’ is it seen to be? What are the issues or principles at stake? b) What assumptions underlie this representation of the ‘problem’? In preparing your response, pay attention to the concepts, categories, language, etc. used/drawn upon. Consider: What beliefs or ideas (about, for example, human nature, society, social order, the nature of inequality, etc.) – whether stated or unacknowledged - can you identify? What would you need to believe or accept for this particular policy to ‘make sense’ as a valid ‘solution’? c) Who are the ‘problem definers’ in relation to this policy? Consider: Which disciplinary or professional groups have influenced this and which bodies of knowledge does it draw upon? (look at, for example, the contributors to consultation/discussion papers, the types of research and evidence that have been prioritised, etc.). Who are the ‘stakeholders’? d) How else might the policy ‘problem’ be seen and responded to? Consider: What is left unproblematic in this representation of the issue / ‘problem’? What is left out? What complexities are overlooked? What is, and is not, presented as appropriate for government and other intervention? What is seen as amenable, or not, to change?