Class Social Policies I

The curricular unit Social Policies I, integrated into the 2nd year of the Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the conceptual and theoretical foundations of Social Policy, different perspectives on the role of the State in promoting well-being, and the evolution of welfare state models. The unit also addresses the framework of social policies within the European context, with particular emphasis on the European Social Model, promoting the analysis of contemporary transformations in social policies and the challenges they pose to Social Work practice.

Not applicable

I - Foundations of Social Policy Public and social policies: the social functions of the State, social rights, purposes, principles and values. Object and scope of Social Policy. II - Theoretical perspectives on the role of the State Classical perspectives: citizenship (Marshall), liberalism (Hayek and Nozick) and egalitarian liberalism (Rawls). Contemporary perspectives: capabilities approach (Sen), recognition theory (Fraser and Honneth) and ecosocial approach. III - Social Policy and the Welfare State Formation and evolution of the welfare state. Welfare models: Esping-Andersen's typology, critical perspectives and Southern European welfare regimes. Crisis and reconfiguration of the welfare state. IV - The European Social Model European Union Social Policy: milestones, instruments and social rights. The European Social Model and contemporary challenges.

The curricular unit adopts active and participatory teaching and learning methodologies, combining expository moments with student-centred strategies. Theoretical-practical classes emphasise guided discussion of concepts, critical analysis of texts and documents, the connection between theoretical frameworks and contemporary social issues, and problem-based activities. As innovative methodologies, simulated debates are particularly relevant, organised around different conceptions of Social Policy and welfare state models. These activities promote collaborative learning, argumentation skills, oral communication and critical thinking. They encourage active student participation, the justification of positions based on scientific literature, and the development of analytical and reflective skills essential to Social Work education.

Behring, E. R., & Boschetti, I. (2008). Política social: Fundamentos e história (4.ª ed.). Cortez. Cabral, N. (2022). Modelos de políticas públicas sociais: Do rendimento incondicional aos vouchers. Almedina. Carmo, R. M., & Barata, A. (2014). Estado Social: De todos para todos. Tinta-da-China. Esping-Andersen, G. (1990). The three worlds of welfare capitalism. Princeton University Press. European Commission. (2023). The future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU. Publications Office of the European Union. Fraser, N. (1997). Justice interruptus: Critical reflections on the "postsocialist" condition. Routledge. Marshall, T. H. (1992). Citizenship and social class. Pluto Press. (Original publicado em 1950) Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University Press. Silva, P., Hespanha, P., & outros. (2002). O modelo de welfare da Europa do Sul: Reflexões sobre a utilidade do conceito. Sociologia, Problemas e Práticas, 38, 25-59.