Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A social policy adaptation refers to changes made in government policies or programs in order to address societal issues or meet the needs of specific groups within society.
Related terms
Welfare state: A welfare state is a type of social policy adaptation that aims to provide a safety net for individuals through various programs such as healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits.
Affirmative action: Affirmative action is a social policy adaptation that promotes equal opportunities for historically marginalized groups by implementing measures such as quotas or preferential treatment in employment or education.
Universal basic income: Universal basic income is a social policy adaptation where all individuals receive a regular amount of money from the government, regardless of their employment status, providing them with financial security.