General description

Short introduction into theoretical and ideological background of the continental model, structure of the Austrian model, analysis of key fields of social policy, social security and labour policy, analysis of social services and its critical discussion

Learning outcomes

This course focuses on theoretical and empirical analysis of the structure of the Austrian (= Continental) system of work and social security, esp. of important areas of operation and the effects of the policy. The course’s aim is to enable the students to critically reflect and analyse the Continental Model of work and social security in Austria.

Focusing on contemporary development in social policy in the tradition of Bismarck, the structural influence on society, on special groups as well as on individuals is discussed concerning different field of social policy and work policy.

Students will be equipped with skills necessary for advanced research, to understand the Austrian (=Continental) model of work and social security and to analyse applied social policies:
• to identify the Continental model – theory and ideology
• to identify the Austrian Corporatism and social partnership
• to understand the general structure of Austrian model of work and social security
• to critically analyze labour policy in Austria: employment and unemployment
• to evaluate the design and supply of social services in Austria
• to critically appreciate a range of key topics of national social policy issues: health, disability and need of (long time) care, migration and integration, family, housing, poverty, social exclusion and so on.
• to understand the impact of Europeanization and Globalization on the national system of work and social security.

Contents

The Austrian model follows the continental tradition. First of all, the students develop a common understanding of the concept of the Continental model, the Austrian Corporatism and the social partnership, as well as the contemporary debate. For this reason, the introduction focuses on ideology and theory of the Continental model.

Secondly, the general structure, body and recent developments of the Austrian model of work and social security will be examined, thus changes in the system that occur on individual and social level is emerging. The organization and structure of employment and social security are main issues for the critical social policy analyses and discussion.

Thirdly, students evaluate the design and supply of social security and services in Austria. For this reason, various fields of applied social policy will be analysed and discussed by students. Key issues for students’ research are
1. System of work: employment and unemployment
2. Health, disability, need of (long time) care and age
3. Migration and integration
4. Family and education
5. Housing and social services
6. Social exclusion and poverty.
Students critically challenge the design and supply of social services.

Finally, the focus shifts to the European Union. European Union policy has an effect on the national social policy, thus system of work and system of social security. The Commission set certain targets, which the member states have to achieve. In addition, how does the discussion of the European Social Model influence the Continental model and vice versa?

Teaching methods

Introduction during Intensive Program in Linz, afterwards audio and video lectures, discussion boards and individual tutoring, supported by Moodle.
Attendanve 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:

-Förster, Michael: Dimensions of poverty in Austria in the late 1990s. Vienna: Europ. Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research 2001.

-Federal Ministry of social security, generations and consumer protection: BMSG: Social Protection in Austria. Vienna: BSMG 2006.

-Pichelmann, Karl: Country employment policy reviews: Austria. Wien: Inst. für Höhere Studien 1999.

-Badelt, Christoph: Policy analysis of transition: the case of Austria. Vienna: Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration 1998.

- OECD: Ageing and Employment Policies – Austria. OECD 2005.

-Heitzmann, Karin/ Simsa, Ruth: From Corporatist Security to Civil Society Creativity. In: Zimmer, A./ Priller, E. (eds.): future of Civil Society in Central Europe: Making Central European Nonprofit Organizations Work, S. 713-731. Wiesbaden: Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften 2004.

-Heitzmann, Karin: Characteristics and dynamics of income poverty and multidimensional deprivation in Austria. In: Apopospori, Eleni and Millar, Jane (eds.): The Dynamics of Social Exclusion in Europe. Comparing Austria, Germany, Greece, Portugal and the UK. pp. 41­-62. Aldershot: Edward Elgar 2003.

-Österle, A., Hammer, E.: Care Allowances and the Formalisation of Care Arrangements. The Austrian Experience. In: Ungerson, C., Yeandle, S. (eds.): Commodified Care Work in Developed Welfare States. London: Palgrave 2006.

-Österle, A.: Health Care Systems: Developments and Perspectives. In: Burger, R., Wieland, M. (eds.): Economic and Sociopolitical Perspectives for Health Services in Central Europe. Wien: healthregio 2006.

-Austrian Museum for Social and Economic Affairs compiled for the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions: Well insured. Social security in Austria. Vienna: Austrian Museum for Social and Economic Affairs 2006.

Belongs to following study modules