Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the students should be able to:
  • give an account of key topics and issues in sociology of welfare and welfare policy
  • analyse and discuss the main principles of the Norwegian welfare regime and compare it to other European welfare models
  • use sociological theories and concepts in critical analyses of challenges in welfare policy, and in discussions about possible solutions
  • reflect upon the complexity of various social problems related to, for example, drug abuse, mental health issues and homelessness
  • understand the new challenges to welfare states stemming from increased competition, migration and increasing inequality

Contents

The course introduces key concepts for understanding the development, the financing and the functioning of the Nordic welfare state. Moreover, by comparing the Nordic welfare models with different “welfare regimes” (Esping-Andersen) the course gives an overview of different ways of selecting and dealing with social problems and inequality. The main components of the course are:
  • Different perspectives on welfare
  • Introducing comparative perspectives on welfare states
  • Social problems, Inequality & Class
  • Stratification and the Re-Production of Inequality
  • The welfare state in a gender perspective
  • New Challenges for Welfare
  • Privatization & New Public Management

Teaching and learning methods

The course will consist of lectures as well as self-organised study groups.

Study groups are optional, but we strongly recommend that you attend a study group. The lecturers will provide practical exercises for the study groups. All discipline students are expected to engage in an on-line discussion (“examination requirement”) while students in Child Welfare do a 2-week observation practice. This course is intended for both Norwegian and international students. Estimated workload is 270 hours.

Examination requirements

For discipline students: group work must be passed in order to take the exam. Further information will be given in Canvas in the beginning of the semester.

Examinations

5-day individual home exam (in English or Norwegian), graded A-F.

Student evaluation

The study programme coordinator decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
SV-119 – Welfare Politics. 10
SV-100 – Welfare Sociology, Welfare Administration and Social Policy. 10
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 7:00:15 AM