Social Welfare Theory: Policy Implications

2 credits · Graduate

The course deals primarily with macro-theories of a sociological and political-economy nature that offer 1) conceptual representations of welfare systems, 2) explanations of the dynamics and functions of welfare systems, and 3) analyses and assessments of the different normative perspectives that inform policy making in social welfare. The latter aspect is given particular emphasis and the major normative theoretical perspectives in the field will be reviewed with reference to their policy implications for social welfare in the United States. The major theoretical perspectives to be discussed include institutionalism, welfare pluralism, neo-liberalism, Marxism, traditionalism, regulationism, critical theory, multiculturalism, feminism, ecologism, and developmentalism. This course is designed for doctoral students but is open to other qualified graduate students with instructor permission.