| Unit name | State and Society |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLD2011 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | D/8 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Doogan |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit considers the changing nature of the inter-relationship between $ystate&) and $ysociety&) from a range of perspectives and theories. It surveys current debates in the broad area of social development and institutional change and considers their implications for policy making. Thus, contemporary political and economic developments describe, on the one hand, the retreat of the state due to processes of $yglobalisation&), $yderegulation&) and $ymarketisation&). On the other hand, discussions of the $ycommunitarian&) agenda and the $ythird way&) suggest a new contract between the citizen and the state, premised upon a re-negotiation of the rights and responsibilities ascribed to individuals and communities. The emergence of mechanisms of governance at local, national and international levels serve to redefine the notions of $ypublic and private&). Relatedly there are changing forms of government intervention in the economy, the labour market and in the welfare state alongside an increasing reliance of self-provision. The unit also considers the connections between the $yfree market and the strong state&).
