Nordic Welfare Societies in Transition

The aim of the course is that students recognise the features that have commonly been linked with the idea of a Nordic welfare model and Nordic welfare state. In addition students will learn about differences amongst the Nordic welfare states and some changes that they have undergone.

There will be various lecturers during the course. To pass the course active participation is required during the lectures and students need to write a 3 page paper on a certain research question (questions will be formulated during the course). Papers will be discussed jointly during the last session of the course.

Half of the each session will contain a lecture and another half will be dedicated to discussions and/or group work. Lectures take place on Thursdays, 9-12 at Linna 6017 beginning on 13th Jan 2011.

The course is coordinated by Liina Sointu (liina.sointu@uta.fi).

Following timetable is tentative, times are correct but the lecture themes may still change a bit, mainly amongst one another.

1. 13.01 Liina Sointu: Practicalities of the course, Brief introduction to the different welfare states in Europe, group work to formulate research questions
2. 20.01 Minna Zechner: Nordic welfare model and universalism
3. 27.01 Jouko Nätti: Labour markets and employment in the Nordic countries
4. 03.02 Minna Zechner: Nordic child care policies
5. 10.02 Liina Sointu: Nordic elder care policies
6. 17.02 Tapio Rissanen: Gender, work and equality in the Nordic countries 
7. 24.02 Jaana Vuori: Migrants, migrationand gender
8. 03.03 Lina van Aerschot: Nordic citizenship
9. 10.03 Liina Sointu: Discussion based on students' papers and feedback on the course.

No need to sign up in advance.