Comparisons as Part of Expertise in Social Services (5cr)

Objective

Student is familiar with social work debates and is able to have an international stance when developing social services.

Content

Themes and methods in comparative social policy and social work research. Different ways how welfare is produced in different part of the world. Finnish welfare and social services in comparison to other countries.
A trip abroad may be part of this study module if the students are willing to do so.

Qualifications

No previous studies are required.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Grades 1-2
Student knows the basis of comparative research and the benefits and problems related to comparisons. Student has read some comparative studies in social policy and social work.

Grades 3-4
Student is able to criitically evaluate comparative studies and is able to comparisons between Finland and other countries.

Grade 5
Student is able to make use of comoaratives research during studies and is able to implement comparative research.

Materials

For example:
Salverda, Wiemer ym. (2014) Changing inequalities in rich countries. Analytical and comparative perspectives. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Tervonen-Gonçalves, Leena & Oinonen, Eriikka (2012) Vertailun valta. Yhteiskuntapolitiikka 77(1), 3-15.

Becker, Saul, Bryman, Alan & Ferguso, Harry (2012) Understanding research for social policy and social work: Themes, methods and approaches. Bristol: The Policy Press.

Teaching methods

Lectures and distance learning