2009 Course Handbook
SOC810: Developing Social Policy
Who really holds power in the process of social policy change? Are experts taking over policy development? Can the most marginal in the community influence policy? This course examines how social policy is developed through social and political institutions. We consider the contributions of experts, bureaucratic agencies, politics and the private sector to the making of social policy as well as the capacity for policy clients and social actors to influence decision-making. We also look closely at the role of past policies in shaping policy development and factors shaping 'policy learning', which include public opinion and international policy transfer.
The unit investigates a range of Australian and international policy experiences in the area of family income support, pension reform, public health care and labour market programs, and addresses major sociological questions about knowledge and power in social policy development. We will pay particular attention to the policy evolution involved in the transition from the Howard Liberal government to Rudd's Labor government.
| Credit Points: | 4 |
| Contact Hours: | -- |
| When Offered: | 2010 - offered in 2010 |
| Staff Contact: | Dr Shaun Wilson |
| Prerequisites: | |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCWs: | |
| Unit Designations: | -- |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: |
Faculty of Arts |