Enabling Social Change (Taught)

This course adopts an innovative approach to examining the changing dynamics of social policy and social change. It draws on the strengths of the Social Sciences, where staff are engaged in researching issues of poverty, inequality, and exploitation.

You will:

• Develop an advanced understanding of how change happens, explore the changing zeitgeist, and understand the dynamic nature of social transformation.

• Explore the power of public unrest and state responses to demands for policy change.

• Learn about the forces and actors that shape social change by getting to know the work of public sector organizations (including universities), community groups, think tanks, political parties, and lobby/campaign/activist groups.

• Examine real-life examples of social change from the UK and internationally, including topics such as deep-rooted social inequality, universal basic income, (food) poverty, (un)employment, homelessness, and issues of charity/aid.

• Gain a deep understanding of theories of social change, and how they relate to the current debates on politics, populism, globalisation, and neoliberalism.

• Develop practical skills that will help you apply your knowledge, make an impact in the field of social policy, and enhance your research and practice skills.