Sociology, Welfare State and Society, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

After completed studies, the student shall be able to

• describe and explain key concepts in the study of welfare states and welfare societies,
• describe contemporary legitimacy challenges facing welfare states, and relate these challenges to contemporary processes of social change, and
• critically examine, analyze, and evaluate how different welfare regimes and welfare arrangements can provide welfare.

Content

This course introduces the student to the theory and literature on welfare states and welfare societies. It will discuss contemporary legitimacy challenges of traditional welfare provision, particularly within a European context. Questions addressed include how different types of welfare regimes (liberal, conservative, social-democratic) and specific welfare arrangements shape conditions for provision of welfare. The course will also elaborate on how contemporary processes of globalization, individualization, migration, financial crises, and various social movements create new conditions for production of welfare.

Examinations and grades

Examination I, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination II (Code: A002)
Grades used are Participated (DT).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

The final course grade is based on the grade of the examination "Examination I", 7,5 credits. However, Participated (DT) on all other examinations are requred for a passing grade to be awarded for the full course.

Modes of assessment

Examination I, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Hall-exam.

Examination II (Code: A002)
Compulsory components in the form of active participation in seminars.

Comments on modes of assessment
Examination deadline
An examination shall be carried out at the time decided by the university. If an examination, which involves that the student can do the assignment in another place than in the university's premises (for example take-home examination), can not be submitted on time, the examiner decides how the examination shall be handled.

Absence from compulsory components of the course
Upon absence from compulsory components, the university's general rules for re-examination apply. If there are special reasons to deviate from the time frame, the examiner decides when the compulsory component should be carried out. However, the examiner can decide that a make-up assignment should be given.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements for university studies.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Esping-Andersen, Goesta (1990)
The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism
Cambridge: Polity Press

Pierson, Christopher (2006)
Beyond the welfare state?
Cambridge: Polity Press

Sainsbury, Diane (2012)
Welfare states and immigrant rights
Oxford University Press

Additions and Comments

Complementary articles: approx. 50 pages.