Comparative social protection systems

Teacher(s)

Merla Laura;

Language

English

Main themes

The course trains students in the comparative analysis of social protection systems. It gives an important place to the analysis of European social protection systems (historical overview of their emergence and presentation of their main characteristics, based in particular on the typology of Esping-Andersen and its feminist critique).  The course then shifts the focus, through a presentation of the main characteristics of social protection systems in the 'South', and a series of contemporary globalized issues that redefine the contours of the question of social justice in relation, for example, to migration and climate change.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	to introduce the essential elements of the debate on comparative methods in the social sciences to help understand the different 'typical' models of social protection; to help understand the major elements of the social protection 'systems' existing in the industrialised countries (note: not only in Europe - the diversions to the American system is indispensable) to help identify and compare the essential differences and their specific effects, according to the ideal-types ("models") and the concrete "systems to help in the perception of the relative importance of salaried work in the functioning (financing, access to rights, etc.) of each model

Content

The main objective of this course is to familiarize students with the comparative analysis of contemporary social protection systems. To this end, the course will address the following topics:
- Comparative analysis of social protection systems in the 'North': Historical overview of the emergence of European social protection models and systems, and presentation of the main characteristics of these models and systems; Esping-Andersen’s typology; the feminist critique: gendering social protection analysis; and the migration-welfare nexus.
- Comparative analysis of social protection systems in the 'South': Contextualisation, presentation of key typologies, and case studies focusing on South America
- Globalized contemporary issues: transnational social protection; climate change and social justice

Teaching methods

Teaching face to face and/or by distance learning depending on the evolution of health conditions. The class is given in English, and relies on the active participation of students (for instance, through readings and discussions during the class). The teacher will use powerpoint presentations and impose compulsory readings.

Evaluation methods

Written examination

Other information

This course forms part of a study programme that takes place in the evenings and on Saturday mornings.
Students will have access to a PDF version of the powerpoint presentations. 

Online resources

Students must registed to the Moodle of the course. They will have access to a series of resources, including a PDF version of the powerpoint presentations, and a portfolio of compulsory readings. 

Bibliography

Des références bibliographiques utiles sont transmises au fur et à mesure des cours.
Useful references will be provided during the semester.

Faculty or entity

TRAV