SOCIOL 317

Sociology of the Welfare State


Please note: this is archived course information from 2016 for SOCIOL 317.

Description

This course examines the differing origins and possible futures of welfare states. Using a range of theoretical viewpoints, the course considers the historical shift from a Keynesian welfare state to a neoliberal state and questions whether recent "Third Way" policies provide a solution to future welfare needs. The course is comparative but includes a significant focus on Aotearoa New Zealand.

COURSE AIMS

At the completion of the course, the student should have gained knowledge and understanding about:

  • The historical development of the welfare state in New Zealand and internationally;
  • Where the New Zealand welfare state is situated in comparison with other countries;
  • Key changes in the values driving welfare states;
  • Ways in which these changes:

o   maintain or challenge gendered and racialised assumptions;

o   impact upon citizens and citizenship;

o   reflect different political perspectives and institutional histories.

In addition to standard writing and literacy skills, students should also have developed specific research skills appropriate to a course that examines welfare state policy.  These include:

  • Gathering and synthesising concepts and ideas from a wide range of academic and other relevant sources;
  • Constructing and presenting an appropriate argument about policy issues as the basis for assessment tasks;
  • Understanding that policy documents are far from ‘neutral’ but reflect differing political values and ideals.

Availability 2016

Semester 1

Lecturer(s)

Lecturer(s) Dr Louise Humpage

Reading/Texts

A course reader will be made available if required.

Assessment

Coursework + exam

Points

SOCIOL 317: 15 points

Prerequisites

30 points at Stage II in Sociology, or SOCSCIPH 200