Dr W Sigle-Rushton, A258

Optional for MSc Gender and Social Policy. Optional for MSc European Social Policy, MPA Public and Economic Policy/MPA Public Policy and Management/MPA International Development/MPA European Public and Economic Policy, MSc Social Policy (Research), MSc Social Policy and Planning and MSc Social Research Methods.

The course analyses the different ways in which gender is incorporated into national welfare states and the impact this on particular, national structures of gender inequalities. The course covers the theory and methodology of comparative studies and the applicability of existing comparative theories/methods to the analysis of gender. Consideration is given to how well existing typologies of welfare states fare when gender is the focus of analysis, and the role, if any, that the European Union has played in the development of more gender equitable outcomes in EU countries. A number of key areas will then be studied, including: the organisation of caring services including child care; family policy; provision for lone parents; the labour market and labour market policies; men and masculinities; and aging. In looking at these areas students will be encouraged to contrast the approach of different families of nations (e.g., Bismarckian regimes versus Scandinavia) as well as looking at the particularism of certain national approaches.

10 x one-and-a-half hour lectures and 10 x one-and-a-half hour seminars, LT.

M. Daly and K. Rake, Gender and the Welfare State, 2003; G. Esping Andersen et al., Why We Need a New Welfare State, 2003; R. Lister, Citizenship: Feminist Perspectives, 2^nd edit, 2003; N. J. Hirschmann and U. Liebert (eds.) Women and Welfare. Theory and Practice in the US and Europe, 2001; J. Gornick and M. Meyers, Families that Work, 2003.

A 3,000-word essay to be handed in on the first day of ST (25%). A two-hour written examination in the ST (75%).