This module provides students with an introduction to the development of social policy in Britain from the 1600s to the beginning of the twentieth century. It examines the responses of governments to social problems of the time, and to trace the foundations upon which the British welfare state was built. The module will cover conceptual, theoretical, policy and practice perspectives of the history of social policy. Key topics include: Pre-Victorian social policy (1601-1834); Victorian social welfare problems; Victorian politics, values and social change; poverty and evidence; the birth of social administration, social divisions and social reform; concerns of national efficiency and the legacy of Victorian social policy.
ASP251
Housing Policy, Homes and Homelessness
This module provides an account of the principles and the development of housing policies in the UK from the nineteenth century to the present day. The module assesses government, voluntary and private sector responses to housing the population. There is an exploration of the meaning of home, the purposes of housing policy and the conceptualisation of housing need. The impacts of housing policy are examined, including its human consequences (eg crime and homelessness); the experiences of particular population groups (eg in terms of class, ¿race¿, ethnicity, gender, disability and age); and geo-economic outcomes (eg protection of the environment, land use and urban planning).
ASP300
Dissertation
The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to carry out a piece of independent study through focused research of existing evidence, drawn from academia, government and public policy agencies. Student will analyse and report on a social issue of their own choosing.
ASP301
Principles of Social Policy
This module analyses the key values and principles underpinning social policies in Western democracies. The module discusses the social construction of social problems and theoretical accounts of power and hegemony. It critically examines the contributions of the work of influential contemporary theorists with respect to the concepts of justice, rights, needs, liberty, equality, diversity and citizenship. The module also considers the role of these concepts in shaping the contours of social policy and the relationship between the individual and the state.
SPC306
All Our Futures – Social Policy in Ageing Societies
Population ageing is one of the most important issues we face today, nationally and globally. This module explores policies and provision, not only for the current generations of older people but for all our futures. It begins with an overview of the theoretical explanations of the experience of ageing and takes a critical social gerontological approach towards the analysis of policy. The impact of ageism and other forms of discrimination is explored. Substantive areas of policy are scrutinized in the UK and Welsh contexts, and comparatively with other countries. The significance of older citizens¿ participation in policy and decision making and advocacy is highlighted.