On completion of this module, students should:  Have gained an understanding of  contemporary theories of the welfare state;  Develop knowledge of contemporary political economy debates and research on the gendered nature of the welfare state;  Develop an ability for critical analysis of key areas of research on the welfare state;  Develop an ability to evaluate empirical research and evidence of gender inequalities within contemporary welfare states.

(LO1) Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of contemporary theories of thewelfare state;

(LO2) Demonstrate an ability to critically engage with contemporary political economy debtates and research on the gendered nature of the welfare state

(LO3) Demonstrate critical and comparative analysis of key areasof research on the welfare state

(LO4) Demonstrate an ability to evaluate empirical research and evidence of gender inequalities within contemporary welfare states.

(S1) Communication Skills

(S2) Organisational Skills

The first part of the module will examine how socialbenefits, or welfare, have long been considered by some to be “social rights”,following T.H. Marshall’s well-known conceptualization of civil, political andsocial rights.   We will read Lister withan eye to understanding this original formulation and how she and otherfeminists have critiqued it.  The students will be introduced  tothe concept of social reproduction. Some questions that arise fromthe readings include: What, if anything, is the relationship between capitalismand patriarchy? What is ‘social reproduction’ and in what ways does it differfrom ‘production’? In what ways might the concept of ‘social reproduction’ helpus to think about the social relations that constitute the global politicaleconomy? Why might it be important to look at the household?  The second part of the module will move to  discussions of citizenship and Sen and Nus sbaum’s concept of capabilities will put politicalaction (often termed political “agency”) front and center in social policydebates.   This section of the course willexplore the role of women and gender in the historical development of socialpolicies.   We will particularly focus on the  followingquestions:What historical roles have women played in influencingwelfare state development? Does women’s participation in the social policyformation process have consequences for the policy outcomes?   What are the positive and negative aspects of“maternalist” and “paternalist” welfare politics? How do ideas – or“discourses” – about race, class, gender or sexuality impact welfare policies?   The final part of the module will aim to understand the gendered consequences of  current austerity measures. We see that policies toregulate the economy have differential effects on differ ent genders with womenbearing the biggest burden of the costs of recovery. The module will conclude by  thinkingabout some of the ways in which we can imagine and work to bring about a moreequitable and just world. What are some of the alternatives to the contemporaryorder posed by feminist scholars and activists? Do we think that these arefeasible solutions? Which social forces (beyond feminist organizations andwomen’s groups) might support these initiatives and which might be opposed? 

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Weekly lecture led by teaching staff
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): -

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Face to face synchronous seminars, safety permitting
Description: Weekly small group seminars
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: These weekly classes will explore the material covered in the lecture as well as explore issues of gender inequalities through reflective essays written by the students