GI415      Half Unit
Gender and European Welfare States

This information is for the 2019/20 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Ania Plomien, Pankurst House.11.01F

Availability

This course is available on the MPA in International Development, MPA in Public Policy and Management, MPA in Public and Economic Policy, MPA in Public and Social Policy, MPA in Social Impact, MSc in European and International Public Policy, MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Bocconi), MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in Gender (Sexuality), MSc in Gender, Policy and Inequalities, MSc in Inequalities and Social Science, MSc in Social Research Methods and MSc in Women, Peace and Security. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

This course may be of particular interest to masters students in the European Institute.

Course content

The course investigates the ways in which gender is incorporated into national welfare states and the impact of national structures on the patterns and prevalence of gender inequalities. The course covers the theory and methodology of comparative studies and considers their applicability to the analysis of gender, including how well existing typologies of welfare states fare when gender is the focus of analysis. Additionally, the course interrogates the role of the European Union in the development of gendered policies and outcomes in EU countries. A number of key patterns of inequality and policy areas are studied, including: the organisation of caring services; migration; 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 compare and contrast different welfare systems and  consider the particularism of national approaches.

Teaching

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

There will be a reading week in week 6 in line with departmental policy.

Formative coursework

Students will be asked to prepare seminar facilitation activities in group work and submit an essay (2000 words) due in the LT.

Indicative reading

G. Abels and J. M. Mushaben (2012) Gendering the European Union.

K.M. Anderson, (2015) Social Policy in the European Union.

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.

J. Kantola (2010) Gender and the European Union.

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.

Student performance results

(2015/16 - 2017/18 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 28.6
Merit 48.2
Pass 23.2
Fail 0

Key facts

Department: Gender Studies

Total students 2018/19: 14

Average class size 2018/19: 14

Controlled access 2018/19: No

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