Change, diversity and uncertainty are unavoidable features of modern life. Collectively, we may be living through a major transformation in society and the traditions that hold it together. Individually, we may face increasing barriers to taking responsibility for our own destinies, exercising power and making our own decisions. The tracks on this album focus on these and other big issues in the contemporary world. The past and the future - the Welfare State through to Globalisation. The material forms part of the course DD100, An introduction to the social sciences: understanding social change.
Shift in kinds of people working and work they do. Does ‘flexible’ employment mean more insecure employment? Consequences of opening up the market to global competition.
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Work - who does what?
Intention of the Labour government to counter social exclusion by promoting employment through enabling state. Considering family as area of continuity but forms of family are more varied. Has the welfare system caught up with this change in family structure?
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Promoting welfare - the government's role
Under New Labour, things have improved but only for some sections of society. Rising inequalities and uncertainties about issues such as pensions.
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New Labour, new society?
Changing Definitions of Globalisation, the impact of culture, economics and politics. Globablisation undermining the nation state.
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Globalisation - what is it?
The importance of nation states instead of an inseparable global market. Transformationalist perspective combines aspects of internationalist and globalist approaches.
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Internationalist views
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