PUP404 Economics of the welfare state

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2015
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 12 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Martin Žižlavský, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. PhDr. Tomáš Sirovátka, CSc. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Tomáš Sirovátka, CSc.
Department of Social Policy and Social Work – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of Social Policy and Social Work – Faculty of Social Studies
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 67 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/67, only registered: 0/67, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/67
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course is aimed at the students who possess knowledge of basics in economics and social policy, labour market theory. The objectives (1)to learn about the link between ecopnomic and social objectives and other crucial aspects of the welfare state, (2) the students should apply the concepts of economic theory in social policy where appropriate (3)students should understand the principles a options of financing various measures of the welfare state, pros and cons, (4)students should understand the complexity of the effects of the WS, (5)students should understand the current problems of WS economics and the ways how these are solved. Learning outcomes after completing the course the student - understands the links between social and economic mechanisms of the functioning of the welfate state - understands the specific economic mechanisms of the functioning of the welfare state - is able to identify the economic and social consequences of the measures both at the macro and micro levels - is able to formulate the suitable recommendations with respect to the economic aspects of the welfare state
Syllabus
  • Market efficiency and economic reasons for government intervention
  • Efficiency versus equality and social utility
  • Functions and objectives of WS, theory of public choice
  • Social justice and the role of government
  • Financing of public goods
  • Dynamics of deficits and public debts
  • Social insurance
  • Income inequalities, poverty, income support, incentives
  • Public goods and services
  • Economic consequences of the WS, problem of rolling back the welfare state
  • Internal effectiveness of WS and current trends
Literature
  • BARR, N. A. The economics of the welfare state. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993, xv, 495. ISBN 0198774281. info
  • LE GRAND, Julian, Carol PROPPER and Ray ROBINSON. The economics of social problems. 3rd ed. London: Macmillan, 1992, xi, 262. ISBN 033355258X. info
Teaching methods
Lectures. Homeworks. Discussion of ilustrative topics.
Assessment methods
Two written exams. Assessment of homeworks.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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