In all nations, social policy is a very large public investment. Course 1 will explore the size, structure, and outcomes of U.S. social policy and compare this policy to those of similar developed countries. The course will also probe the values this policy represents and the values debate regarding about how big our welfare state should be— in other words, how much of our education, housing, health, income support, and social services the government should supply and how much individuals should supply for themselves. This course addresses issues of power, oppression, and white supremacy.
This course is part of the Social Policy for Social Services & Health Practitioners Specialization
Offered By


About this Course
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessWhat you will learn
Describe the development of the welfare state across developed nations distinguishing choices made in education, health or pensions
Evaluate the structures of the US welfare state to explain US choices in education, health or pensions of those seeking aid.
Differentiate the public and private welfare state to interpret structures of education, health or pensions to those seeking services
Honors: Summarize and critique readings to professionally interpret them. Identify a topic to a professional memo.
Skills you will gain
- - Distinguish the values inherent in each social policy initiative
- - Critique components of a social policy based on their effectiveness at meeting the goals stated in the initiative
- - Develop social welfare policy analysis and reform proposals
- - Differentiate alternative approaches to social policy problems
- - Formulate practice strategies to overcome the historic biases in social welfare programs
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessOffered by
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Social Policy and the Welfare State
Social Policy Structure
Comparing U.S. Social Policy with Europe: Investment & Effects
Does the Welfare State Enrich Us of Impoverish Us?
Reviews
- 5 stars80.91%
- 4 stars15.26%
- 3 stars3.05%
- 2 stars0.76%
TOP REVIEWS FROM US SOCIAL SERVICES COMPARED
"US Social Services Compared" - I am hoping this course will help me out with a clear concept of US Social Services Compared. Thanks COURSERA for the such online access.
I am a Human service profesioanl and student . This course has taught so many important insights that I can apply to my job now and the future. Very good course!
I learned a lot and very much enjoyed learning about the social policy. Thank you professor Robertson and all the speakers for their lessons taught throughout the course!
It is very true encouraging step to enhance educational skills and knowledge by doing this course.
About the Social Policy for Social Services & Health Practitioners Specialization

Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.