Comparative Social Policy

The aim of this course is to introduce students into the comparative analysis οf different social protection systems and into the exploration of their changes through time. The concept of welfare capitalism regimes (Esping0Andersen) is used for the comparative exploration of welfare states. In particular, alternative typologies of welfare states are presented as well as approaches focusing on the gender perspective in order to assess diverse welfare mixes. In addition, the transformations of the welfare state are examined through the perspective of social change, new risks and the effects of the European integration and globalization. The explanatory power and the validity of various approaches is assessed based on empirical data in specific subsectors of social policy (social security, employment policy, health and social assistance). Special focus is placed on the particular traits of social protection systems in the South of Europe (belated development of the welfare state in relation to the countries of North-Western Europe, the role of EU in the formulation of social policy). Finally, the consequences of the crisis on the social reform of the European space, the future of Social Europe and the potential for the further reinvigoration of values and principles of the European Social Model.
Upon the successful completion of the course, students will be in the position to:
• Understand the basic concepts and terms of comparative analysis in social policy and welfare states.
• Delve into the various theoretical approaches for understanding welfare states.
• Develop the appropriate theoretical and methodological tools for the analysis and synthesis of various theoretical approaches in social policy and welfare state theory.