Policy Debates in the Social Services

Description

At an advanced level, this course examines key principles guiding policy about the provision of social services.  Trends and debates around the shifting relationship between welfare systems and the state are explored, along with a thorough analysis of factors influencing the delivery of human services.  Students will learn to critically assess the implications of social service delivery for providers and consumers of welfare services, and the impact of inequalities in societies, especially New Zealand society.

The purpose of the course is that students develop a refined ability to analyse contemporary social issues in a systematic way, helping equip them as future human service practitioners or policy makers to apply their understanding. The relationship between ‘private troubles’ and ‘public issues’ will inform analysis and will assist students in appreciating the forces that impact on citizens' circumstances and on service delivery.   A history of social policy in Aotearoa is included in the course with emphasis on the effects of colonisation and iwi resurgence in sustaining well-being.

Learning Goals:
1. To introduce social policy as it has developed in Aotearoa/New Zealand
2. To explore ideologies, values and beliefs that underpin current social policy
    debates
3. To introduce policy formulation and policy process
4. To analyse contemporary social issues and their social policy implications
5. To consider the influence of social policy on both human service
    organisations and their clients