Dr Stephen Mangen OLD2.62

This course is available on the MSc in China in Comparative Perspective, MSc in Gender, Policy and Inequalities, MSc in Politics and Government in the European Union, MSc in Public Policy and Administration, MSc in Regulation, MSc in Social Policy (European and Comparative Social Policy), MSc in Social Policy (Research) and MSc in Social Policy (Social Policy and Planning). This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

The course examines a range of critical social problems shared by EU member states and the role of the EU in resolving them within the framework of deepening European integration. Issues are addressed from the perspective of growing EU-level involvement in policy elaboration. Demographic, ethnic and gender issues feature prominently. Specific policy areas relate to the integration of social security and labour markets; interventions targeting social exclusion; the funding, organisation and challenges of providing pensions and health care; urban policy-making; and the relative role of migration and education and training policies in the regeneration of European labour markets. The course ends with an assessment of globalisation and the threats and opportunities that arise for the European Social Model.

10 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the LT.

Students will be required to submit one formative essay of 1500 words by the end of week 6 of the Lent Term.

Begg I et al Is Social Europe Fit for Globalisation? LSE, Centre for European Policy Studies. 2008. Executive Summary;

Blank R and Burau V Comparative Health Policy Palgrave, 2004;

European Commission Demography Report 2008: Meeting Needs in an Ageing Society. Luxembourg, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2009;

European Commission Adequate and Sustainable Pensions: Luxembourg, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2006;

Goul Andersen J et al The Changing Face of Welfare Policy Press, 2005;

Kvist J & Saari J The Europeanisation of Social Protection Policy Press, 2007;

Lewis J (ed) Children, Changing Families and Welfare States Edward Elgar, 2007;

Saunders P Welfare to Work in Practice Ashgate, 2005;

van den Berg L et al National Policy Responses to Urban Challenges in Europe. Ashgate, 2007;

Walker R Social Security and Welfare: Concepts and Comparisons Open University Press, 2005.

One summative essay of 3,000 words (100%).