Development of the welfare stateLaajuus (2 cr)

Objective

The students are familiar with the most important theories of welfare and the development of the Finnish welfare state, the welfare society and sustainable development as part of them. The students understand how larger macro structures and processes of society affect the lives of individuals and communities at both the micro and meso levels, when it comes to well-being, social inclusion, and safety. They are familiar with the development trends of societal policy linked to the needs for change in welfare services. The students understand how the global economy and Finland's economic development affect the functioning of society and the living conditions of people, especially in an urban context. They are familiar with the diverse ways in which welfare services are organized and provided.

Content

Welfare theories. Development of the Finnish welfare state and society. The multi producer model of the welfare state: Neoliberalism and New Public Management. International welfare state models. Macro, meso, and micro levels for intervention and prevention. The welfare society's dependency on the global economy, production, the standard of living, economic policy, and employment as well as sustainable development. Simple Finnish vocabulary and phrases used to describe work in the welfare state.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Graded as passed/failed.

Further information

Are you interested in welfare services, where the welfare state model is based on and how these welfare societies have developed? Take this self-study online course and learn the basics of the main welfare theories. You can learn about the development of the Finnish welfare state and society. You will also learn about international welfare state models. The course will help you understand how societal structures and processes affect the lives of individuals and communities. The course is part of the Bachelors of Social Services studies in Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.