GI415      Half Unit
Gender and European Welfare States

This information is for the 2013/14 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Ania Plomien, COL.5.04F

Availability

This course is available on the MPA in European Public and Economic Policy, MPA in International Development, MPA in Public Policy and Management, MPA in Public and Economic Policy, MSc in Gender, Policy and Inequalities, MSc in Social Policy (European and Comparative Social Policy), MSc in Social Policy (Research), MSc in Social Policy (Social Policy and Planning) and MSc in Social Research Methods. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Course content

The course analyses the different ways in which gender is incorporated into national welfare states and the impact this has on particular, national structures of gender inequalities. The course covers the theory and methodology of comparative studies and their applicability to the analysis of gender, especially how well existing typologies of welfare states fare when gender is the focus of analysis, and the role of the European Union in the development of more gender equitable outcomes in EU countries. A number of key patterns of inequality and policy areas will be studied, including: the organisation of caring services; family policy; provisions for lone parents; the labour market and labour market policies; the practices and roles of men, especially regarding fatherhood; and fertility and aging. In looking at these areas students will be encouraged to contrast approaches of different welfare systems and   consider the particularism of national approaches.

Teaching

15 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the LT.

Formative coursework

Essay (2000 words) due in the LT.

Indicative reading

  • R. Crompton et al. (2007) Women, Men, Work and Family in Europe.
  • H. M. Dahl et al. (eds) (2011) Europeanization, Care and Gender: Global Complexities.
  • M. Daly and K. Rake, (2003) Gender and the Welfare State.
  • G. Esping- Andersen (2009) The Incomplete Revolution: Adapting to Women’s New Roles.
  • J. Gornick and M. Meyers (2003) Families that Work.
  • R. Lister (2003) Citizenship: Feminist Perspectives, 2nd ed.
  • J. Lewis (2009) Work-Family Balance, Gender and Policy.

Assessment

Essay (100%, 4000 words) in the ST.

Teachers' comment

Please note this course has been re-structured for the 2013/14 academic year.

Key facts

Department: Gender Institute

Total students 2012/13: 11

Average class size 2012/13: 11

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills