POLS 398 - Comparative Social Policy

Do the Swedes have it best with their cradle to grave welfare system? Does French solidarity extend to all citizens? Do Americans really pull themselves up by their bootstraps? In this course, we will explore the ways in which social policies profoundly influence citizens’ interactions with the state and the market. In considering these questions, we will focus primarily on the how – what strategies do governments employ to address social concerns, on the why – why do these strategies sometimes look similar and sometimes look different across countries, and on the how well – do countries meet their policy goals, and what does this mean for those living in their borders? The class will provide an overview of social policies in ”high-income” OECD countries, with a primary focus on European countries and the United States.

Credits 1