Content and objectives
The Twentieth Century in the developed capitalist-economies has largely been characterised by a growth in responsibilities taken up by public authorities for the economic and social fate of their residents. This introductory course makes a comparison between different social security systems in advanced capitalist economies to set the scene for a more comprehensive analysis of social protection in both developed and developing countries. Students will be introduced to the economic justification behind the welfare states, the macroeconomic setting and the different components of the welfare state. Finally the course will introduce the students to international law and international social security standards.



Literature

• Sen A., Freedom and the Foundations of Justice, in Development as Freedom, Random House, New York, 1999, pp. 54-86.
• Barr N., The Economics of the Welfare State, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2004 (fourth edition)
• Ravallion, M., Poverty Comparisons, Harwood Academic Publishers, 1994
• Saraceno C. (ed.), Social Assistance Dynamics in Europe, The Policy Press, Bristol, 2002,
• Neubourg, C., Hener, E. and K. Roelen (2004) Briefing Book EU Social Safety Nets, Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, forthcoming, chapter 3. p. 1-17.
• Coady, D., Grosh, M., Hodinott, J. (2004). Targeting of Transfers in Developing Countries. Review of Lessons and Experience. Washington DC, World Bank, chapter 2 and 4.