Aims: To undertake advanced analysis of alternative perspectives on the nature of well-being, welfare regimes and social policy, in the context of developed and developing societies. This is a research-based unit drawing on present and past research work at Bath, including the WeD Research Group on Well-being in Developing Countries.
Learning Outcomes:
A systematic and analytical understanding of:
a) the distinctions between incomes, utility, needs, capabilities and functionings as goals of development;
b) the respective contribution of economic and social institutions and processes to the advancement of human well-being;
c) the concept of welfare regimes and its application to developing countries,
d) the role of social policies in developed and developing countries and the role of national versus supra-national regulation.
Skills:
To think creatively and analytically; to communicate an argument; to critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information; to synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding.
In addition, this unit will require students to understand and critique ongoing research findings as they emerge from the WeD Research Centre.
Content:
Conceptualising, analysing and operationalising well-being; objective (needs and capabilities) versus subjective well-being; economic institutions and the satisfaction of needs; why some nations achieve higher levels of welfare than others; welfare regimes and social development; social policies across the world; towards a socially regulated global system. This is a research-based unit, drawing on past and present funded research at Bath.
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