Overview

Topics may include: 1. The development of an understanding of welfare regime theory and its critiques; 2. A comparative analysis of the structure, funding, objectives and outcomes of selected health and welfare systems in a number of countries; 3. To examine the impact of cultural, political and demographic shifts on those countries which have national systems and the situation of those countries in which they are not formally developed; 4. To explore the prevalence of health inequalities and to identify socio-economic, cultural and geographical variables that generate these inequalities; 5. To explore differences in welfare outcomes, and the possible explanations for these; 6. To map the differences in patterns of poverty and inequality around the world and to examine the economic and social determinants of these by using a range of countries as formative case studies; 7. To explore global issues, including communicable diseases, health behaviours, poverty, conflict, human rights, recession, climate and natural disasters, in order to evaluate the role of international organizations in promoting and protecting the welfare of the global population.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- to D+ •Discuss the key features of welfare policies and approaches with reference to theoretical models used in comparative analysis; •Identify the impact that competing forces of globalisation and political, cultural and institutional traditions have on the provision of care, welfare and support; •Summarise the main points of the research and evaluation in the form of an essay plan and translate these main points effectively in essay format in class under time constrained conditions.

-good -B- to B+ •Demonstrate substantial knowledge of the structure, objectives and outcomes of welfare provision by identifying and analysing key social, political, economic and cultural factors in each case; •Identify and evaluate the relationships between the various actors and processes identified in each country’s welfare system; •Discuss on the barriers and challenges to achieving welfare-related goals, in relation to the social group chosen for the review.

-excellent -A- to A+ •Present a sophisticated and holistic description of the impact of a welfare system on the lives of individuals within a specific demographic group; •Critique the perspectives and welfare channels which have formative impacts on the identification of, and support for, individuals with complex needs; •Engage critically with the value, or limitations, of comparative analysis in the production of a review of welfare provision within an international framework.

-another level-C- to C+ •Demonstrate good knowledge of the structure, objectives and outcomes of welfare by identifying and analysing key social, political, economic and cultural factors •Identify the relationships between the various actors and processes identified in welfare systems; •Comment on the barriers and challenges to achieving welfare-related goals, in relation to the social group chosen for the review.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically review differing welfare approaches to an identified health or social need, and communicate findings effectively within time constraints.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the development of welfare states in relation to healthcare, education, housing and social security

• Describe differing approaches to health and welfare issues in an international context

• Have a knowledge of the role of the public sector, private sector and voluntary sector in achieving welfare outcomes.

• Suggest explanations for differences in health and welfare outcomes between countries.