Overview

This module will provide an exploration of the ways and means by which welfare is delivered to service users and patients. It will examine personal, social, economic and political aspects of health and social care, and consider some of the moral and philosophical issues raised. The course also traces the development and use of concepts such as social need, health care need, welfare, social justice and equality, citizenship and social exclusion amongst others within the framework of the policy process. Students will consider a series of substantive issues, e.g. the care of older people, child protection, services for people with mental health problems, etc. Students will become familiar with a variety of theoretical perspectives used by the social sciences. They will examine the main institutions of health and welfare, and consider some of the main dilemmas of our age, e.g. how to balance individual and collective responsibilities; how to balance the needs of carers, and those receiving care; and how to address some of the ethical issues raised by modern medicine. To what extent should the state be involved in the provision of welfare - residually or universally? To what extent does the state amplify or produce social inequalities?

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D+ to D-Demonstrate a basic understanding (perhaps with some inaccuracies) of the 'mixed economy of welfare'; and show an appreciation of the costs of care systems. Describe some of the major theories and concepts that are basic to a study of social welfare policy and demonstrate some awareness of the role of values in social policymakingDiscuss meanings of the word ‘health’, and consider the range of human predicaments where ‘social care’ is required.Describe the main institutions of care, and explain the roles of institutional and community care.Show awareness of the nature, causes and welfare consequences of social inequality and disadvantage.

-good -B+ to B-Demonstrate a very good understanding of the 'mixed economy of welfare’; and show a sound appreciation of the costs of care systems. Describe most of the major theories and concepts that are basic to a study of social welfare policy and demonstrate a very good awareness of the role of values in social policymakingDiscuss the meanings of the word ‘health’ in-depth, and consider the range of human predicaments where ‘social care’ is required.Accurately describe the main institutions of care, and explain the roles of institutional and community care.Show very good awareness of the nature, causes and welfare consequences of social inequality and disadvantage.

-excellent -A* to A-An excellent student will be able to:Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the 'mixed economy of welfare’; and show a full appreciation of the costs of care systems. Describe and evaluate the major theories and concepts relevant to a study of social welfare policy and demonstrate good knowledge of the role of values in social policy makingDiscuss meanings of the word ‘health’, and consider the range of human predicaments where ‘social care’ is required.Accurately describe and analyse the main institutions of care, and explain the roles of institutional and community care.Show full awareness of the nature, causes and welfare consequences of social inequality and disadvantage.

-another level-D+ to D- Demonstrate a good understanding of the 'mixed economy of welfare’; and show a sound appreciation of the costs of care systems. Describe a number of the major theories and concepts that are basic to a study of social welfare policy and demonstrate a good awareness of the role of values in social policymakingDiscuss meanings of the word ‘health’, and consider the range of human predicaments where ‘social care’ is required.Accurately describe the main institutions of care, and explain the roles of institutional and community care.Show good awareness of the nature, causes and welfare consequences of social inequality and disadvantage.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of key theoretical perspectives in the field of Health, Social Care and Welfare.

• Demonstrate an awareness of the role of values in Health, Social Care, and Welfare institutions.

• Identify some of the causes and consequences of resource inequalities in Health, Social Care and Welfare organisations and settings.

• Show an understanding of the administrative and financial context within which Health, Social Care and Welfare policies are constructed, including the impact of devolution on Health and Social Care policies, structures and organisations.