Introduction to the course
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Module 1: Foundations and Frameworks
Capitalism, Citizenship, and Solidarity: Historical Foundations of Social Policy (Chapter 1 from Béland and Mahon)
Description: This topic examines the historical roots of social policy, focusing on the relationship between market capitalism, the rise of the "wage society," and the emergence of concepts like solidarity and social citizenship. We will analyze the work of classic thinkers like Polanyi, Durkheim, Titmuss, and Marshall.
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Explaining Welfare State Development: Competing Theoretical Perspectives (Chapter 2)
Description: This topic explores major theories explaining the development and variation of welfare states, including industrialism, national values, power resource theory, business power, and historical institutionalism. We critically assess the strengths and limitations of each approach.
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Classifying Welfare Regimes: Beyond the "Three Worlds" (Chapter 3)
Description: We delve into Esping-Andersen's "Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism" typology and its subsequent critiques. We examine alternative classifications, feminist contributions, and the challenges of applying regime theory to the Global South.
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Taking Ideas Seriously: The Role of Ideas in Social Policy (Chapter 4)
Description: This topic focuses on the role of ideas in shaping social policy. We examine concepts like problem definition, policy paradigms, framing processes, cultural categories, and knowledge regimes, exploring how they influence policy stability and change.
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New Social Risks, Social Exclusion, and the Social Investment Perspective (Chapter 5)
Description: This topic introduces key contemporary concepts in social policy discourse: social exclusion, new social risks (related to post-industrialism), and the social investment perspective. We critically analyze their meanings, applications, and political implications.
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Changing Gender Norms and Welfare Regime Forms (Chapter 6)
Description: We examine the challenges posed to welfare regimes by changing gender norms, particularly the shift away from the male breadwinner model. We explore concepts like "defamilialization" and "care chains," and analyze policy responses across different welfare regimes.
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Social Policy and the Politics of Diversity (Chapter 7)
Description: This topic explores the complex relationship between social policy and increasing diversity (ethnic, racial, linguistic). We consider the impact of migration, multiculturalism, and nationalism on welfare state development and social cohesion.
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Globalization and Social Policy: Transnational Forces and Global Governance (Chapter 8)
Description: This topic broadens the scope to examine the impact of globalization on social policy. We explore the role of international organizations, transnational actors, and the emergence of "global social policy" as a field of study.
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Module 2: Emerging Challenges and Future Directions
Environmental Issues and Climate Change: The Eco-Social Approach
Description: This topic examines the growing intersection of social policy and environmental concerns. We explore the concept of "eco-social policy" and its implications for addressing climate change, resource depletion, and sustainable development.
Reading: If Not Now, Then When? Pathways to Embed Climate Change Within Social Policy
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Migration, Populism, and the Welfare State
Description: We analyze the impact of migration on social policy, focusing on the rise of right-wing populist movements and their "welfare chauvinist" agendas. We explore the tensions between national solidarity and the inclusion of migrants.
Reading: Populism, welfare chauvinism and hostility towards immigrants
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Religion, Values, and Social Policy
Description: This topic explores the role of religion and values in shaping social policy debates and outcomes. We consider the influence of faith-based organizations, religious diversity, and the intersection of religious beliefs with social policy issues.
Reading: Mapping the relationship between religion and social policy
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War, Conflict and Welfare
Description: This topic examines how periods of war, and post-war periods, can affect the need and supply of social policies.
Reading: War solidarity and welfare attitudes Survey evidence from the war in Ukraine
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Economic Inequality and Social Policy: Redistribution and Beyond
Description: This topic revisits the classic issue of economic inequality, exploring its relationship to social policy. We examine the role of redistribution, social mobility, and policies aimed at addressing poverty and inequality.
Reading: Inequality and Social Policy
Summary and Evaluation
Textbook for the first 8 topics: Béland, D. & Mahon, R. (2023). Advanced Introduction to Social Policy. 2nd ed. Edward Elgar Publishing.