Unit 1 : (Week 01 & Week 02)Overview

The field of public policy relates to a complex constellation of policies, institutions and actions. Public policy is considered to be an organised attempt by a government to serve the people or resolve public issues and problems and fulfill public needs and aspirations. Public policies are formulated in conformity with the constitution, laws and regulations of the country.  This unit provides an overview of the topic coverd in eight units. Major aims of this unit are as follow:

Week 1: Lecture 1

  • Difference between public and social policy
  • Clarifying objectives of public and social  policy
  • Key concepts in social policy
  • Needs and rigts

Week 2: Lecture 2

  • Historical development of the discipline
  • Identifying areas covered by public and social policy
  • Inequality, poverty and social exclusion
  • Dimensions of inequality

Required Readings:

Land, H. (2012). ‘Altruism, Reciprocity, and Obligation’ in Alcock et al. (ed.) The Students’ Companion to Social Policy. West Sussex, Wiley‐ Blackwell. 

Dean, H. (2006). ‘What is Social Policy?’ in Social Policy: A Short Introduction. Cambridge, The Polity Press. 

Blakemore, K.(2nd ed.)(2003), Social policy: An Introduction. Open University Press: UK

Gough, I. (1998). ‘What are human needs?’ in Franklin, J. (ed.) Social Policy and Social Justice. Cambridge, Polity Press 

 

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