Social policy has long been shaped by the global flow of ideas, as ideologies and models have been exchanged between countries; exported by colonial powers to their colonies; or imposed by external donors in the name of reconstruction or development.  Yet, social policy is often understood as the policies, processes and services provided by governments, without sufficient consideration of the global context.

This course examines social policy in the global context of the twenty first century.  We will analyse the impact of ideas, models and approaches developed within the international arena on social policy within nations.  We will also explore the ways in which approaches to social policy are transferred and shared between countries.  We examine key international trends in social policy and the values on which they are based – as well as key critiques of and opposition to those trends.  This course will include some comparative analysis of the influence and response to globalised ideas, models and approaches across different countries.

Global Social Policy moves away from the traditional silos of ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ countries, whereby social policy is considered the domain of the former and development the domain of the latter.  Rather, we will examine key approaches to social policy, evidence on ‘what works’, and major debates and controversies across the constructs of the ‘Global North’ and the ‘Global South.

By the end of this course students should:

(a)                 Understand the ways in which the global flow of ideas has shaped and continues to shape social policy within nations

(b)                 Understand the key international debates around approaches to social policy

(c)                 Understand the (sometimes competing) agendas and roles of major international actors in the area of social policy

(d)                 Be able to analyse the ideas and objectives that underpin the social policy models advocated by key international agencies

(e)                 Be able to analyse the supranational policies addressing social issues that have emerged in recent years.

(i) A brief position paper – drawing on the reading brick – to either support or argue against a particular position.  Students will be able to choose from the following topics: (i) a rights-based approach to social policy; (ii) a human development approach; (ii) a social protection approach to social policy; (iii) user-pays systems; (iv) universal provision.  Students will be asked to take a lead in the discussion in the session when their topic is discussed.  1000 words (15%)

(ii) An analysis of a key social policy of a selected international agency. 2000 words (35%)

(iii) An essay examining the ways in which supra-national or trans-national ideas and policies have shaped national responses to one social issue in one country.  Students will be asked to choose a country other than their own. 2,500 words (50%)

Total of 30 contact hours of seminars, with an additional total of 60 hours reading expected in preparation for seminars.

None

As for entry to the Master of Public Policy or Master of Public Administration.

Yeates, N. (ed.) (2008), Understanding Global Social Policy, Bristol: The Policy Press.

Yeates, N. (2001), Globalization and Social Policy, London: Sage.

Deacon, B. (2007) Global Social Policy and Governance, London: Sage.

Global Social Policy (2009), Special issue on the impact of crisis on children.

Judith Goldstein and Robert Keohane, (1993) Ideas and Foreign Policy, Ithaca: Cornell University Press.

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