About Sociology and Social Policy
Social Policy is defined broadly as the academic study of human needs and rights within the societal and institutional context of meeting people’s aspirations to live a fulfilling life free of poverty and disease. It is an international subject concerned with the huge inequalities in the world and the persistent existence of absolute poverty affecting at least one billion people in the world today. It is curious about the reasons for such a situation and examines some of the structural factors that explain current day social order in the world such as post-imperialist legacy and world governmental institutions. By exploring the vehicles of the free market and the state as contested means towards achieving the goals of social policy in creating a socially just and sustainable society. We will explore the academic roots of social policy in the UK with the works of Rowntree and Townsend amongst others; but will expand far beyond a historical context to explore current day trends and issues, including inequality, democracy, capitalism and the role of the state. You are encouraged to explore new areas and ideas especially in your assessments which are a mixture of essays and presentations.