F1GD 4410 - Social Protection Systems in the Western World

***UPDATED for 2025/26***

Since World War II, Welfare States have become a crucial element of modern Western societies, giving rise to new forms of citizenship and constituting a major element in the policy-making process of the Nation-state. The welfare systems that have developed across Europe as well as in different parts of the world differ substantially, however, in terms of their political and ideological underpinnings as well as in terms of their institutional arrangements. The course aims at providing students with a comprehensive view of the different theories and analytical approaches in the field of comparative welfare state studies. It also aims at providing a more empirical understanding of policy differences across Europe (also with references to other parts of the world), as well as tools for assessing the performance of the different welfare models.

Learning Outcomes

• Capacity to critically analyze the design, implementation, and outcomes of social protection systems across different countries and welfare regimes.
• Capacity to evaluate the effectiveness and equity implications of social protection policies in diverse socioeconomic and political contexts.
• Understanding of the historical, institutional, and global factors that shape national social protection systems.
• Empirical knowledge of key social policy areas across various countries
• Research and analytical skills

Professional Skills

Comparative policy analysis skills; Capacity to critically assess social policies; research skills; presentation skills

None

Written feedback on Moodle, usually within a week of submission.

Group presentation: in groups of 3; 30%

1 Critical reflection paper (1750 words): 30% (based on 4 assigned readings)

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 5 hours a week / 60 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work:15 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 20 hours a semester
• Revisions final exam: 10 hours a semester