Overview

This module will provide an exploration of the ways and means by which welfare is delivered. It will examine personal, social, economic and political aspects of welfare, and consider some of the moral and philosophical issues raised. The course also traces the development and use of concepts such as social need, health care need, welfare, social justice and equality, citizenship and social exclusion amongst others within the framework of the policy process. Students will consider a series of substantive issues, e.g. the care of older people, child protection, services for people with mental health problems, etc. Students will become familiar with a variety of theoretical perspectives used by the social sciences. They will examine the main institutions of health and welfare, and consider some of the main dilemmas of our age, e.g. how to balance individual and collective responsibilities; and how to balance the needs of carers, and those receiving care. To what extent should the state be involved in the provision of welfare - residually or universally? To what extent does the state amplify or produce social inequalities?

Assessment Strategy

Excellent -A*- A- Student’s work will display the critical thinking and ability to make an academic argument with the use of relevant political theories and use of the empirical evidence. It will show the sophisticated competence in knowledge, writing and referencing.

Good B+- B- Student’s work will display a good understanding of major political theories and concepts and their application to the contemporary political discourse. It will show reflexive competence in the discussion and analysis of the contemporary political issues.

Threshold C+ - C - Student's work will display an adequate understanding of the political theories and concepts, use simple comparisons to help explain the contemporary political questions and show basic competence in writing, referencing and discussing on the political issues.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of key theoretical perspectives in Social Policy.

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the history of Social Policy from the Nineteenth Century to date.

• Demonstrate an awareness of the international dimension of Social Policy, particularly relating to world poverty .

• Identify some of the causes and consequences of income inequalities and how these are related to welfare.

• Show an understanding of key concepts in the delivery of welfare and an appreciation of the possible advantages and disadvantages of different models of welfare delivery.

• Show an understanding of the administrative and financial context within which social policies are constructed, including the impact of devolution on health and welfare structures.