Course Title：Introduction to Social Policy

This course introduces the economics of social policy focusing in particular on the nature of economic and social inequality at a conceptual, theoretical and empirical level. It provides an overview of the analytical methods used in the economics of social policy and examines the appropriate role of the state in the amelioration of inequality both in principle and in practice. Specifically, it considers the role of economics in relation to issues such as the welfare state, public and social policy, poverty and income inequality, dimensions of inequality including health and socio-economic status, globalisation and North South relations. The rationale for state involvement in the economy is explored, distinguishing between equity and efficiency reasons, and the extent to which such objectives are met and the conflicts between them are examined. Having successfully completed this module, students will be able to: explain and apply basic economic terminology; formulate and address economic and social policy issues using the language and approach of economics; understand economic approaches related to the technical topics covered in this module; and, articulate economic reasoning and results to others.