Class Social Policy

The Social Policies course is part of the Social Sciences field, with particular relevance to the Field of Social Work. It examines the nature, objectives, and principles of Social Policy, its relationship with the Welfare State, and the models that structure social protection. Its scope includes a critical reflection on the emergence, development, and crisis of the Welfare State, with special focus on the Portuguese context and its articulation with human rights and social needs. The relevance of the course lies in its contribution to the training of professionals who can understand, interpret, and intervene in public policies, combining theoretical knowledge with professional practice in the defense of well-being and citizenship.

Not applicable

1 Social Policy: nature and scope 1.1 Public and Social Policies: the social functions of the State and social rights 1.2 Purposes, objectives and object, principles, values and fields of action of Social Policy 2. Main theoretical conceptions of the role of the state in social policy: foundations and contributions 3.Social Policy and the Welfare State 3.1 The genesis, emergence and formation of the welfare state. 3.2 The models of the welfare state: conservative, liberal, democratic and southern European. 3.3 The development of the welfare state in Portugal 3.4 The crisis and reconfiguration of the Welfare State: The "almost" Portuguese Welfare State; The Welfare Society; The future of the Welfare State. 4. Contemporary trends in social policy 4.1. The Welfare Mix: its meaning and consequences 4.2. Active Social Policies 4.3 Social policies and contemporary challenges.

The teaching and learning process employs innovative methodologies that foster active student participation. Dialogued lectures, combined with classroom debates, stimulate critical thinking. Films, documentaries, and audiovisual resources are used to link theory with social reality. Practical assignments, both individual and group, enable the application of concepts to social policies and Social Work practice. The flipped classroom encourages prior preparation and collective knowledge consolidation. A critical analysis of scientific articles enhances reading, interpretation, and critical thinking skills, including academic argumentation. Personalized tutorial support provides close guidance while promoting autonomy in the learning process.

Albuquerque, C., & Luz, H. (coord) (2016). Políticas Sociais em Tempos de Crise. Perspetivas, tendências e questões críticas. Lisboa: Pacto. Branco, F.; Amaro, I. (2011). As práticas do Serviço Social activo no âmbito das novas tendências da política social: uma perspectiva portuguesa. Serviço Social & Sociedade, n. 108, p. 656-679. Branco, R. (2017). Entre Bismarck e Beveridge: sociedade civil e Estado providência em Portugal (1960-2011). Análise social, 534-558. Cabral, Nazaré Costa (2022). Modelos de Políticas Públicas Sociais. Do Rendimento Incondicional aos 'Vouchers', passando por Soluções Intermédias. Almedina. Calado, A., Estêvão, P., & Capucha, L. (2018). Crise e pobreza em Portugal: resiliência ou proteção social?. Pereirinha, J. (2008). Política Social: Fundamentos da Atuação das Políticas Públicas. Lisboa: Univ. Aberta. Silva, F. C. (2016). O futuro do Estado Social. Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos.