Unit

School Of Social Sciences And Psychology

Political Economy of the Welfare StateWestern Sydney University Unit Code: 400514.2

Discipline: WELFARE STUDIES

Student Contribution Band: 1

Level: 3

Credit Points: 10

Prerequisite
101329 Social Policy

About this Unit
The welfare state has been a key feature of industrialised capitalist societies for more than 50 years. Yet today, profound social, political and economic challenges threaten the continuation of state intervention in health, education, social welfare, and in economic development more generally. This unit examines historical and contemporary economic theories, which firstly encouraged governments to pursue social equity objectives, and now see them retreating from this role. Using a political economy framework, this unit provides an understanding of the complex of local and international factors influencing the provision of social services and the development of welfare state institutions.