General description

Short introduction into theoretical and ideological background of the general structure of Welfare Models, structure of the Lithuanian model, analysis of key fields of social policy, social security and labour policy, analysis of social services and its critical discussion

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to give students opportunity to gain insight into theoretical, ideological and practical framework of welfare in Lithuania, focusing on the opportunity to understand the Lithuanian model of work and social security, critically reflect and analyse the contemporary development concerning different field of the policy of work and social security in Lithuania.

Students will be equipped with skills necessary for advanced research and understanding relation between different fields of the social policy on the national level and to analyse applied social policies:
• to identify the national welfare model
• to identify the general structure of Lithuanian social policy
• to understand and critically analyze the implementation of social protection and social inclusion policy
• to understand the design and supply of social services in Lithuania
• critically analyze priority goals, tasks and measures in different sectors of national social policy

Contents

The Lithuanian model is in transition. For this reason, the introduction focuses on ideology and theory of the main Welfare state regimes. First of all, the students develop common understanding of the concept of welfare modelling, the system of welfare institutions.
Lithuanian work and social security system is discussed regarding contemporary changes on the national and regional level. Students will be introduced to the different sectors of national work, social security and social services system, the roles and responsibilities of key players.
Students evaluate the design and supply of social security and services in Lithuania. For this reason, various fields of applied social policy will be analysed and discussed – standards, costs, coverage and control.

Teaching methods

Introduction course at the beginning of the semester, then the use of methods of distance learning: Audio and video Lectures, discussion boards and individual tutoring.
Attendance obligatory.

Teaching language

English

Evaluation and evaluation criteria

Numeric 1-5.
Participation of the students in the discussions and debates, preparation of a research seminar paper (10 pages) in one of the areas covered in the course and a written examination at the end of the course.

Study materials

Reading list:

-Alcoc P., Erskine A. May M. (ed.): The Student’s Companion to Social Policy. Blackwell:SPA 2004.

-George V., Taylor-Gooby P.(ed.): European Welfare Policy. Squaring the Welfare Circle. London: Macmillan Press ltd. 1996.

-Adnett N., Hardy S.: The European social model: modernisation or evolution? Cheltenham, Northampton: Edward Elgar 2005.

-Geyer R. R.: Exploring European Social Policy. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2000.

-Social Protection in the Member States of the European Union and in the European Economic Area – MISSOC info. European Commission. http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/social_protection/missoc_en.htm, 2006.

-The Social Report 2005-5006, 2004. Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Republic of Lithuania. http://www.socmin.lt/index.php?791115234, 2004-2006.

-Fourth report of Republic of Lithuania on the implementation of the European social charter 2006. Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Republic of Lithuania. http://www.socmin.lt/index.php?-133382114, 2006.

-National report on Strategies of Lithuania for social protection and social inclusion. Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Republic of Lithuania. http://www.socmin.lt/index.php?1294497877, 2006.

Belongs to following study modules