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Social Policy in Global Context - SPY00166M

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  • Department: Social Policy and Social Work
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module explores the global context of social policy. It examines the global dimensions of social issues, the nature of global challenges and the ways in which ideas, actors and institutions operate within national, world-regional and global spheres to shape policy responses. You will investigate and critically evaluate the emergence and evolution of global social policies and assess their progress and limitations in addressing issues of borderless problems, global inequalities and other global policy challenges. You will examine the changing balance in the global mixed economy of welfare, how welfare needs and objectives are conceptualised and met beyond the frameworks of the ‘welfare state’.

Aims

  • Explore the global, national and transnational character of the social challenges facing contemporary societies and their social, economic and political drivers.

  • Investigate global institutions and other global actors, and critically evaluate their origins, power and policy-making activities in the spheres of global redistribution, regulation and rights.

  • Appreciate the operation of the global mixed economy of welfare and the ways in which global structures intersect and configure its balance and outcomes

  • Analyse the ways in which global institutions conceptualise social issues with reference to the national, the global and the transnational, how and why dominant constructions of social issues change over time and how these constructions shape social policy agendas and debates.

  • Critically examine the content of national, international and global policy responses to contemporary social challenges and with reference to appropriate global data sources.

  • Explore how vulnerabilities to the risks posed by borderless problems and the capacity of global actors to develop effective strategies to address them reflect and reproduce social and economic divisions and inequalities within and between peoples, nations and world regions.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate awareness and understanding of the global, national and transnational character of the social challenges facing contemporary societies and their social, economic and political drivers.

  • Critically assess and offer informed commentary on the nature of global institutions and other global actors, their origins, power and policy-making practices, and the way that these shape processes of global redistribution, regulation and rights.

  • Critically evaluate the operation of the global mixed economy of welfare and the ways in which global structures intersect and configure its balance and outcomes.

  • Demonstrate a critical awareness of social policy issues in national, international and global policy debates, policy agendas and policy evolution.

  • Critically apply theoretical frameworks and appropriate global data sources to the analysis of policy responses and policy outcomes in global context

  • Recognise the importance of analysing global social policy responses with reference to wider geo-political, economic and social divisions.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

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

Understanding Global Social Policy, ed 3.

Global Social Policy Reader

Global Social Problems (George)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.