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 language
English
Modes of study
Option
1
Available for:
Degree Programme Students
Other Students
Open University Students
Doctoral Students
Exchange Students
Participation in course work
In
English
Introductory lectures during Intensive Programme in Vilnius, afterwards discussion boards and tutoring supported by Moodle and individual studies of the theoretical literature and other sources of course. Final essay.
Evaluation
and evaluation criteria
Numeric 1-5.
Cumulative grade: 70% final paper and 30% participation in the discussions.
Student’s work is assessed for the work done, which includes active participation in on-line discussions, independent (individual) work - reading and study of the course materials and writing of final essay (20.000 characters of actual text) in one of the areas covered in the course.
Study materials
1. Bernotas D., Guogis A. 2007 spring. Reforming social security in a transition economy: the comparative case of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia // Social Science Tribune (Greece), Volume 13, No 49.
2. Cousins M. 2005. European welfare states: comparative perspectives. New Delhi: SAGE Publications.
3. Eatwell J. [et al.] 2000. Hard budgets & soft states: social policy choices in Central and Eastern Europe. London: Institute for Public Policy Research.
4. Fenger H. J. M. 2007. Welfare Regimes in Central and Eastern Europe: Incorporating Post-Communist Countries in a Welfare Regime Typology // Contemporary Issues and Ideas in Social Sciences,Vol. 3, No. 2.
5. Glatzer M., Rueschemeyer D. (eds.).2005. Globalization and the future of the welfare state. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press.
7. National report of Lithuania on social protection and social inclusion strategies 2008–2010. The Ministry of Social Security and Labour, Republic of Lithuania, 2010: http://www.socmin.lt/index.php?-311688494
8. Social Protection in the Member States of the European Union and in the European Economic Area.