Social Policy

This unit introduces students to social policy and its role in social development and social change. Major theoretical frameworks for understanding social policy formation are studied and the impact of policy implementation is explored. The historical, social and economic contexts of policies are examined to better understand policy development, implementation and evaluation. A range of social policy areas is explored to enable students to analyse their social contexts and the impact of their implementation on society. Students critique various social policies to develop analytical and research skills, and consider ways in which knowledge of policy formation can enhance professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

  • Define and discuss the theoretical underpinnings of social policy
  • Explain how social policy is developed by governments and organisations
  • Describe and discuss the historical, economic, social and political forces which shape social policy
  • Define and discuss the concept of social justice
  • Analyse and describe the function of the welfare state on employment, health, education and family
  • Discuss the social implications of contemporary trends in education policy and employment policy
  • Analyse and evaluate the key issues and trends in health policy and family policy
  • Describe the implications of law and order policy in a range of social contexts and circumstances

Content Areas

  • What is Social Policy?
  • Ideological and Theoretical Understandings of Policy
  • Understanding the Welfare State
  • Government, Politics and Power
  • The Policy Process
  • Policy Analysis and Evaluation
  • Employment
  • Health
  • Education
  • Family
  • Crime and Deviance, Law and Order
  • Social Justice: A Way Forward?

Unit Duration and Workload

This unit involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery of self directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 54 hours of self-study per unit including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates to 7.5 hours per week for the unit.