Dr Babken Babajanian SAR.G.03

This course is available on the MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Columbia), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Hertie), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and NUS), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Sciences Po), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Tokyo), MPA in International Development, MPA in Public Policy and Management, MPA in Public and Economic Policy, MPA in Public and Social Policy, MPA in Social Impact, Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

The course is capped at 30.

The course will focus on conceptual, theoretical and practical issues involved in the development of social protection programmes in the global context. It will enable students to (i) recognise the objectives and role of social protection programmes in supporting human well-being, and (ii) analyse and critically assess the design, implementation, and evaluation of social protection programmes. The course will consider the design and performance of social protection within the specific economic, social, political economy and institutional context of their operation.

Social protection refers to policies and programmes designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability and improve people's ability to manage economic, social, governance, environmental, and lifecycle risks. Social protection includes three major policy instruments: social insurance (contributory pension, health, disability benefits); social assistance (direct cash and in-kind transfers); and active labour market programmes (skills training and public works).

In recent years, social protection has become a key instrument of public policy in the global south and it is no longer seen as an exclusive feature of the western welfare state. Building responsive social protection systems is a priority for many governments in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and international development organisations are heavily involved in supporting national efforts.

These developments have generated a strong demand for policy experts who can analyse, interpret, design and evaluate social protection programmes. The course will help students acquire in-depth knowledge and skills for analytical work and practical engagement in programme development. It will enable them to critically appraise how government agencies, international organisations and other actors design and implement social protection programmes.

The course will discuss major social protection programmes, including Bolsa Familia in Brazil, Chile Solidario, Dibao in China, Pantawid Pamilyang in the Philippines, RSBY in India, and social assistance programmes in post-socialist countries of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.

The course draws on academic literature and research studies and analytical reports commissioned by government agencies and international organisations (e.g. DFID, World Bank, UNICEF). The chosen sources reflect the most recent developments in social protection worldwide. The course utilises the course leader's extensive hands-on experience in the analysis and evaluation of social protection programmes.

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

10 X 1.5 hour lectures (LT weeks 1-10)

10 x 1.5 hour seminars (LT weeks 2-11)

1. Group presentations on assigned topics and contribution to seminar discussions

2. A short essay answering a pre-assigned question (500 words)

3. A short individually authored critique of a policy report (max 1,000 words; LT week 7)

• Grosh, M., del Ninno, C., Tesliuc, E., and A. Ouerghi (2008) From Protection to Promotion: The Design and Implementation of Effective Safety Nets. Washington, DC: World Bank.
• Holmes, R. and N. Jones (2013) Gender and Social Protection in the Developing World: Beyond Mothers and Safety Nets. London and New York: Zed Books.
• Robalino, D. A., Rawlings, L. and I. Walker (2012) Building Social Protection and Labor Systems. Concepts and Operational Implications. Washington, DC: World Bank.
• Bastagli, F., J.Hagen-Zanker, L. Harman, G. Sturge, V. Barca, T. Schmidt, and L. Pellerano (2016) Cash Transfers: What Does the Evidence Say? London: ODI.
• Barca, V. and R. Chirchir (2014) Single Registries and Integrated MISs: De-Mystifying Data and Information Management Concepts. Canberra: Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Essay (30%) in the LT.
Critical evaluation (70%) in the ST.

• A three-part individually authored essay (30%), in which students answer pre-assigned questions (max 500 words for each answer; 1,500 words in total, LT week 11).
• An individually authored critique of a policy report (70%) (max 3,000 words, ST week 1).