Characteristic of the course:
The Course “Introduction to Social Policy” provides historical overview of the introduction and development of social policy in the European Welfare States. Firstly, it describes aspects of providing welfare in the traditional and modern societies. Secondly, it provides some of the theoretical background to understanding social policy and welfare provisions – philosophically, ideologically and methodologically. Lastly, it offers an overview of the key areas of social policy and welfare services. Emphasis will also be placed on different social policy aspects, notably social need and pattern of inequality, delivering of welfare benefits (cash transfer), globalization and social policy, new thinking about social policy etc. The course will be organised in the form of (a) lectures (12) and (b) seminars (12) where students will actively work on topics covered in the recommended literature.
Main objectives:
The aim of the course is designed to give student the opportunity to gain insight into the introduction of social policy and welfare provision in Europe. By providing an in-depth analysis of social policy developments, this course furthers understanding of social welfare development trajectories in Europe. After completion of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge necessary for understanding applied social policies:
- To identify the theoretical underpinnings of social policy;
- To describe the historical, ideological and political context in which social policy has developed in the European welfare states;
- To understand and reflect different theories and typologies of social welfare sub regimes
- To understand some of the key areas of social policy (family policy; labour market policy, migration policy), and
- To explore the changing contemporary context of social policy in the European Union.
- Teacher: Eddy Bruno Esien