Power, Policy and Social Progress - SPY00026C
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
Module aims
Government policies shape social and economic outcomes in fundamental ways, making them central to social ‘progress’. But policies are shaped by competing interests and unequal power relations. This module introduces key debates that can help us understand what policy is, how it is shaped and who has the power to create social ‘progress’ . It considers how, in the context of unequal power relations and persistent social divisions, groups and individuals might seek to influence policy change in order to contribute to social progress.
Module Aims:
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To explore the concepts of policy, power and ‘progress’ and to introduce key concepts that explore how policy change is influenced
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To consider how unequal power relations impact social policy and social ‘progress’
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To consider policy responses to ‘social divisions’ (eg. race, gender, sexuality, disability) and how dynamics of social control and resistance have influenced ‘progress’
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To consider how groups and individuals might seek to influence policy change in order to contribute to social progress and introduce tools for policy advocacy that can help make evidence based arguments for change
Module learning outcomes
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Have an appreciation of relevant concepts which can assist in the analysis of policy problems;
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Understand key conceptions of power and how power relates to policy decisions;
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Appreciate how unequal power relations underpin ‘social divisions’ and understand the role of resistance, activism and advocacy in social ‘progress’
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Use appropriate models and frameworks to make suggestions for policy reform that can account for unequal power relations while also contributing to social progress
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 50 |
| Groupwork | 50 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 50 |
| Essay/coursework | 50 |
Module feedback
Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.
Indicative reading
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Weible, C and Cairney, P (2021) Practical Lessons from Policy Theories. Bristol: The Policy Press.
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Ryan, P (2022) Facts, Values and the Policy World. Bristol: The Policy Press.
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Crowley, K and Stewart, J (2020) Reconsidering Policy: Complexity, Governance and the State. Bristol: The Policy Press.
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Alemanno, A (2017) Lobbying for Change: find your voice to create a better society. London: Icon Books.
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Lausten et al (2017) Social Theory: A textbook