This course aims to provide an introduction to the main principles of social policy in a comparative context as a foundation for further studies in the social policy area. It discusses the parameters of social policy and how social policy intersects with other aspects of government policy, such as labour policy, taxation policy and health policy. It analyses varying models of social welfare provision and social protection as well as fundamental policy issues, such as the merits of targeting versus universality, horizontal versus vertical equity, and rights-based versus discretionary entitlements. The course then considers social protection in the context of key groups of potential beneficiaries, including the unemployed, children and families, retirees, and the indigenous. Emphasis is on a comparative approach, comparing Australian social policy with that of other OECD countries and of other countries in the Asia and Pacific region.

Topics to be covered include:

• the boundaries of social policy
• contrasting models of welfare and the welfare state
• the intersections between economic and social policy
• international comparisons
• social policy priorities in developed and developing countries
• demographics of ageing and fertility
• poverty, inequality and adequacy
• welfare reform
• labour market assistance and the unemployed
• children and family policy
• work and family
• sole parents and child support
• age pension and retirement support
• indigenous social policy
• health and health insurance
• the future of social policy

On successful completion of this unit you will have:

• demonstrated a working knowledge of key terms, concepts and ideas in the study of social policy and social protection
• assessed the major political institutions and actors involved in the social policy process
• demonstrated a knowledge of how social policy interacts with other areas of government policy, such as economic policy
• considered the roles of values and alternative approaches in social policy
• developed a capacity to analyse and assess alternative approaches to social policy interventions
• reviewed the historical development of the social protection system in Australia and other countries
• compared the Australian social protection system with those of other OECD nations as well as the approaches taken in developing countries
• appraised various Welfare State models and their relevance to Australia and other countries
• considered the social policy issues involved in assistance to categorical groups, such as the aged, families and the unemployed.
• demonstrated the capacity to think independently in the field of social policy'
• developed an understanding of the eclectic nature of social policy and the potential contribution of an array of alternative approaches and academic disciplines

Assessment is through two individual essays. The Initial Essay should not exceed 2,000 words and will comprise 40% of the assessment. The Final Essay should not exceed 4,000 words and will comprise 60% of the assessment. Initial readings for both Essays will be as for the Class Reading list, with self-directed follow-up for further reading.

The course is one of the Core courses for the Master of Public Policy degree, specialising in Social Policy.  It is also available as an elective to students undertaking the Master of Public Administration, or other specialisations of the Master of Public Policy and similarly to students in the related Graduate Certificate Program.  The course is an eligible elective course for purposes of the Executive Masters program of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG).

The range of subject matter covered in the course does not accord with the content of any particular textbook.  Three useful references that cover some of the course are:

• Bessant J., Watts R., Dalton T. and Smyth P. 2006, Talking Policy. How Social Policy is Made, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest;

• Mendes P. 2008, Australia's Welfare Wars Revisited: The Players, The Politics and the Ideologies, UNSW Press, Sydney; and

• McClelland A. and Smyth P. (Eds). 2006, Social Policy in Australia: Understanding for Action, Oxford University Press, South Melbourne.

Delivery Mode:

The Course is delivered in an intensive format.  The course comprises three blocks, each of two days.

Course dates:        March 13, 16, 27, 30; and April 9 and 14.

Class times:           9.00 am to 4.00 pm each day

Location:                Crawford Lecture Theatre,    Sir Roland Wilson Building.