Social Policy

Module outline

This module introduces students to social policy and its role in 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

• Describe the major theoretical frameworks for analysing policy and discuss their limitations and strengths
• Outline the major trends in Australian economic and social policy
• Describe the role of the welfare state and explain its different forms
• Identify the historical, economic, social, political and cultural forces which shape social policy
• Describe the role that government, power and politics play in affecting policy choices
• Develop an understanding of different policy contexts
• Analyse policy processes and evaluate the outcomes from different theoretical perspectives

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
• Employment, health , education and family
• Crime and deviance, law and order

• Social justice: A way forward

Module duration and workload:
This module involves a total of 90 hours of study with a Credit Point Rating of 6 cps. Total duration and workload includes 36 hours of face-to-face or self-directed/tutor-assisted study, 24 hours of module-related reading/research and 30 hours of assessment-related activities.