Overview
Policy Overview and Stated Purpose Provide a clear and concise overview of the policy: • Describe the social issue or problem the policy was intended to address • Identify who the policy supports, regulates, or impacts • Explain the outcomes the policy claims it will achieve 2. Historical, Social and Political Context Analyze the broader context in which the policy emerged. • Describe relevant historical events or social conditions that shaped the policy • Identify political debates, government priorities, or social movements that influenced its development • Discuss whether the policy has changed over time and, if so, why 3. Ideological Foundations Identify and explain two ideological frameworks shaping the policy
3 Examples may include (but are not limited to): • Neoliberalism • Colonial governance • Social democracy • Paternalism • Universalism vs means-testing Explain how these ideologies are reflected in the policy’s design, assumptions or implementation. 4. Equity and Intersectional Impact Critically analyze how the policy affects different populations. • Identify who benefits from the policy and who is disadvantaged or excluded • Use at least three social locations, such as: o Indigeneity o Race o Gender o Disability o Immigration status o Class or income o Age o Geography This section should demonstrate awareness of intersectionality and structural inequality. 5. What Research Shows Using at least three credible (e.g., peer-reviewed articles, government reports, policy documents) academic sources, evaluate what research indicates about the policy. • Does the policy achieve its stated goals? • What evidence demonstrates effectiveness or ineffectiveness? • What unintended consequences or inequities have been identified? 6. Critical Social Work Implications Analyze the policy through a social work lens. Discuss how the policy aligns with or conflicts with: • The CASW Code of Ethics • Principles of social justice and equity • Anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice • Commitments to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and UNDRIP, where relevant
4 7. Evidence-Based Policy Reform Recommendations Propose one specific, evidence-informed policy reform. • The recommendation should address a key inequity or limitation identified in your analysis • It should be realistic and within the Canadian policy context
• Clearly explain how the reform would strengthen equity, access or social justice