This paper will explore and critically analysis the mutual constitution of social policy and personal lives, with specific focus on the narrative of Hibo (2016). Two theoretical perspectives will be utilized through this paper to inform our discussion. Feminism and Marxism. We hope to discuss how young females like Hibo are constituted in social policy, whilst considering the fact that her ‘personal’ life is shaped by social policy.
Indeed the relationship between personal lives and social policies is that of a complex one with multple interpretations and meanings. Social policy is understood as a complex term with numerous meanings and contested history (Lewis and Fink, 2009, p.20). In Hibo's narrative one can recongise that that there indeed does exist an active relationship between policies and experiences and personal lives. Hibo's narrative illustrates that her life was certainly shaped by policies since she left school at 18 until presently. By reading Hibo's narrative we were given an insight as it relates to the ways in which social policies have had an impact on her life. No doubt, everyone has a ‘personal’, even if some people’s ‘personal’ is deemed to be more interesting or important than that of others (Lewis and Fink, 2009, p.21). Upon reading the narrative, immediately Hibo highlights that she does not wish to rely on welfare by stating, 'I didn't ever want to rely on governmental welfare and benefits, so I made sure I secured myself a job immediately' thus it is clear here she did not wish to rely....
Throughout the narrative it is evident that Hibo's personal life was shaped by goverment policies laid down by the local job centre. She states that which she was seeking employment, and whilst she was out of work, the policies set by the local goverment shaped her life since it was an obligation upon her to attend the local job centre. She mentioned that she met with her 'personal advisor' during her visits, which implies there was...