SV-135 Sociology of Welfare and Equality (Autumn 2025)

Knowledge 

On successful completion of the course, the students should have

• basic knowledge of key welfare sociological and political topics and issues 
• knowledge of how social class, exclusion, marginalization and discrimination affect living conditions 
• broad knowledge of how social problems arise and develop in a societal context 
• knowledge of key problem areas such as unemployment, poverty, migration, family change, disabilities and other factors that can contribute to marginalization and exclusion 

Skills

On successful completion of the course, the student will 

• be able to give an account of key topics and issues in sociology of welfare and welfare policy 
• understand the new challenges to welfare states stemming from increased competition, migration and increasing inequality 
• be able to analyse and discuss the main principles of the Norwegian welfare regime and compare it to other European welfare models  
• be able to use sociological theories and concepts in critical analyses of challenges in welfare policy, and in discussions about possible solutions  

General competence 

On successful completion of the course, the student will

• be able to reflect upon the complexity of various social problems related to for example drug abuse, mental health issues and homelessness 
• have insight into power structures and the exercise of power in society 
• have insight into political and administrative decision-making processes and how social workers can contribute to general information and political advice 
• have insight into conditions that contribute to inequality, and be able to promote social justice together with people in vulnerable positions.

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 approximately 270 hours.