Dr Ania Plomien

This course is available on the MSc in European and International Public Policy, MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Bocconi), MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in Gender (Sexuality), MSc in Gender, Peace and Security, MSc in Gender, Policy and Inequalities, MSc in Inequalities and Social Science and MSc in Social Research Methods. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

It is capped at 30 students.

The course investigates the ways in which gender is incorporated into national welfare states and the impact of national structures on the patterns and prevalence of gender inequalities. The course covers the theory and methodology of comparative studies and considers their applicability to the analysis of gender.  It also considers feminist critiques of mainstream methodological approaches to the comparative study of social policies. The role of the European Union in the development of gendered policies and outcomes in EU countries provides the point of focus and interrogation. A number of key patterns of inequality and policy areas are studied, including: the organisation of caring services; migration; family policy; provisions for lone parents; the labour market and labour market policies; the practices and roles of men, especially regarding fatherhood; and fertility and aging. In looking at these areas students will be encouraged to compare and contrast different welfare systems and  consider the particularism of national approaches. 

This course runs in LT. It will be delivered using both asynchronous and interactive teaching and learning elements.

There will be a reading week in week 6 in line with departmental policy.

Students will be asked to prepare seminar facilitation activities in group work and submit a formative piece of work (1500 words) during the LT.

K.M. Anderson (2015) Social Policy in the European Union

D. Béland and R. Mahon (2016) Advanced Introduction to Social Policy

M. Daly (2020) Gender Inequality and Welfare States in Europe

G. Esping-Andersen (2009) The Incomplete Revolution: Adapting to Women’s New Roles

S. Jaquot (2015) Transformations in EU Gender Equality: From Emergence to Dismantling

J. Kantola and M. Lombardo (2017) Gender and Political Analysis

R. Lister (2003) Citizenship: Feminist Perspectives, 2nd ed

J. Lewis (2009) Work-Family Balance, Gender and Policy

Essay (100%, 3000 words) in the ST.