Social Policy

panda100

I have an interview in two weeks to do a H.dip in Social Policy in uni next year, and am freaking it out as I have never had an academic interview before!

Since its such a broad topic I am having problems defining what social policy is? My understanding is that its studying how human needs are met. Is there anyone who has studied it who can give me more of an insight into the topic.

Also is there anyone studying it at the moment who can give point me in the direction of anynew exciting resarch or topical issues in the Irish social policy at the moment?

Thanks

Ostrom

I haven't studied social policy, but department websites are the place to go to read up on latest/emerging research. Staff members should have regularly updated publication lists, and departments will usually list their main research clusters, ongoing/funded projects, postdoc advertisements (probably light these days), calls for conference papers and seminar series' topic listings. These should give you a good indication of the main currents.

What are your own interests?

LC_ugh

I hope this isnt too late for you


Social policy draws on sociology to explain the social context of welfare provision. If we are trying to improve people's welfare, it is helpful to try to understand something about the way that people are, and how welfare policies relate to their situation. Some writers have gone further, arguing that because welfare takes place in a social context, it can only be understood in that context. This has been particularly important for 'critical social policy', which begins from a view of social policy as underpinned by social inequality - particularly the inequalities of class, race and gender.

naasface

I'm doing a degree in it at the moment, I love it. I'm only in first year though,

Our lecturer didn't give us a clear definition of 'Social Policy' as it is open to discussion really depending on how you view equality/justice. This might help though


Common Misconceptions to Avoid:
-All Social Policy is about is striving for greater equality IN ONE SINGLE SENSE OF THE WORD
-SP just for the benefit of the poor
-Spolicies are always in opposition to, and contradict the basic principles of welfare capitalism (note book title- Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism)
- Social policy is separate from Economic,Education and Employment policy.

I hope that may have helped give you a better understanding of what it is, and is not.