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US Social Services: Where did they come from?

Approx. 15 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course explores the origins and development of the welfare state in Europe and North America.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the historical and political context that led to the creation of welfare states
Examine the different models of welfare states and their impact on society
Understand the challenges facing welfare states in the modern era

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

- USA: $60,000 - $90,000
- India: ₹6,00,000 - ₹10,00,000
- Spain: €30,000 - €45,000
- USA: $60,000 - $90,000
- India: ₹6,00,000 - ₹10,00,000
- Spain: €30,000 - €45,000
- USA: $30,000 - $50,000
- India: ₹2,50,000 - ₹4,50,000
- Spain: €18,000 - €30,000
- USA: $60,000 - $90,000
- India: ₹6,00,000 - ₹10,00,000
- Spain: €30,000 - €45,000
- USA: $30,000 - $50,000
- India: ₹2,50,000 - ₹4,50,000
- Spain: €18,000 - €30,000
- USA: $50,000 - $80,000
- India: ₹5,00,000 - ₹9,00,000
- Spain: €25,000 - €40,000

Learning Outcomes

Understand the historical and political context of the welfare state
Analyze the different models of welfare states and their impact on society
Evaluate the challenges facing welfare states in the modern era

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of history and politics
Interest in social policy and government policy

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures
Quizzes

Similar Courses

Social Policy and Welfare States in the Global South
American Government: Constitutional Foundations
International Relations

Related Education Paths

Related Books

Description

The course probes the formation of social policy in the United States from its very first cultural and religious roots. Starting with the transition from hunter-gatherer groups to agrarian villages, the course will examine the passage of the Poor Laws that shaped social policy through the colonial period until the beginnings of the 20th century, when the challenge of making the industrial city livable gave rise to the development of the welfare state. As part of this transformation, the provider of social welfare shifted from the local community to the state to the federal government. The course ends with an exploration of the debate regarding the role of government in the late 20th century: should it foster entitlements or self-sufficiency? This course addresses issues of power, oppression, and white supremacy.

Knowledge

Differentiate the roots of public aid including the “deserving poor” and the “undeserving poor”
Explain technological transformation has impacted on work, incomes & families to understand the needs of those seeking services and to reform system
identify the role of privilege and White Supremacy in the social welfare systems to transform the system to a more inclusive structure
Honors: Summarize and critique readings to professionally interpret them. Develop a research plan for a professional policy analysis.

Outline

Early Roots of Social Policy
Sequence Introduction - John Robertson
Sequence Video: Why social policy - Alumni
Course Introduction
Ancient World
Poor Law
Poor Law in America
Dorothea Dix
Child Welfare
Scientific Charity
Slavery by Professor Mincy
White Supremacy
Three Leaders
Wrapping Up
Course 2: Research Plan & Current Practice
The Beginning of Social Welfare Chapter 3
Quiz: Module 1 Overview

Roots of US Social Policy
Introduction
Veterans by Professor Garfinkel
Public Health
Prohibition
Settlement Housing by Professor Simon
Workers' Protections
Jane Addams by Professor Garfinkel
Public Aid
Patriarchy
Childhood
Social Research
Wrapping Up
Birdye Henrietta Haynes: a pioneer settlement house worker (Chapter 3)
Quiz: Module 2 Overview

The beginnings of the welfare state
Introduction
The '20s
Lecture: First wave feminism - Dr Barbara Simon
The Crash
The New Deal Part I
The New Deal Part II
Race
World War II
Wrapping Up
Discrimination and social justice in the United States.
Quiz: Module 3 Overview

Safety nets versus entitlement
Introduction
Post-World War II
Family
Civil Rights
War on Poverty
Welfare Rights
Great Society
Civil Rights and Great Society by Professor Garfinkel
Neoconservatism
Changing Economy
End of Entitlement
Mothers' Pensions
Rising Poverty
Wrapping Up
Summary and Critique Paper: Description
Summary and Critique Paper: Evaluation
A review of American Welfare Policy: Colonial era to 1980
Quiz: Module 4 Overview

Summary of User Reviews

The Welfare State Origin course on Coursera has received high praise from users who appreciate the insightful lectures and comprehensive materials. One key aspect that many users found particularly good is the course's ability to provide an in-depth understanding of the origins of the welfare state.

Pros from User Reviews

Insightful lectures
Comprehensive materials
In-depth understanding of the origins of the welfare state

Cons from User Reviews

Limited interaction with instructors
Some users found the material too challenging
Lack of practical applications

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