Gender, the Family and Social Policy
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI3014 | Sociology and Social Policy | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- SOCI3014
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
Introducing feminist approaches to social policy, this module considers how social policy and the development of the welfare state have been underpinned by ideas around gender difference and the structure and responsibilities of the family. We will examine feminist perspectives on welfare, considering how policy might reflect and perpetuate the gendered division of labour in the family and society more broadly. For example, we may critically examine whether there has been a policy commitment to gender equality replacing older welfare models such as the ‘male breadwinner' model. The module will thus explore how social policy excludes or incorporates women at the intersection of the public/private divide, offering critical engagement with key concepts such as justice, citizenship and inequality in relation to gender. We will also consider how gender intersects with other axes of difference and inequality, such as, for example, sexuality, race and class.
Target Students
Available to Level 3 and Level 4 UG students and PGT students including subsidiary students from outside the school. Also available to exchange students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 25% Coursework 1: 1,000 words
- 75% Coursework 2: 3,000 words
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To critique the gendered distribution of welfare.To understand the impact of state, market and family arrangements on women and men in the UK.To analyse how far welfare systems and institutions meet the welfare needs of women as a heterogeneous group.To acquire knowledge of the appropriate theoretical and methodological tools to critically analyse social policy on gender and the family.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Demonstrate a critical and reflexive understanding of the key debates and issues in feminist social policy, particularly how the main institutions of the UK welfare system operate in relation to gender.
- Demonstrate knowledge of relevant theoretical and methodological perspectives and approaches and have the ability to relate these to relevant social policy on gender and the family.
- To acquire an understanding of key concepts used in the analysis of social problems and social need, especially equity and inequality, gender, social difference and diversity.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the mixed nature of welfare systems.
Transferable/Key Skills
- Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to social policy on gender and the family.
- Show a capacity to apply a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to social policy on gender and the family.