Social Work and Welfare Systems in Transition

Semester 1 · 53146 · Master in Social Work and Social Policy · 12CP · DE · IT

Comparative analysis of welfare models, institutional contexts, and reform dynamics. Focus on social justice and systemic transformation.

Lecturers: Urban Nothdurfter, Marco Accorinti

Teaching Hours: 72
Lab Hours: 0
Mandatory Attendance: In accordance with the regulation

Course Topics
The course combines two modules: one on the comparative analysis of welfare systems and one on theories, ethics and research in social work. The broadened and comparative perspective enables critical engagement with social policy and social work in the context of the shifting orientation, structure, and legitimation of welfare systems. Rather than in isolation, questions concerning the role of social work and its scientific and normative foundations are discussed in connection with broader societal developments, welfare traditions, and policy contexts.

Teaching format
Lecture, presentations, discussion

Educational objectives
- Develop frameworks for system classification - Evaluate policy reform trajectories - Decode intersectional inequality mechanisms - Analyze: European welfare models using qualitative and quantitative comparison methods - Design: reform proposals considering demographic trends - Evaluate: social systems through intersectional justice criteria - Integrate: digital innovations into social interventions - Understand and apply social work theories - Reflect on and implement ethical principles in practice - Master social work research methods - Develop a critical stance on professionalization - Analyze: theoretical concepts and ethical issues in social work - Evaluate: ethical dilemmas and professionalization processes - Design: rigorous research frameworks - Apply: ethical principles in complex practical cases

Assessment
Presentations, written assignments, written and oral exam

Evaluation criteria
Knowledge of the course content Argumentation, presentation, and academic writing skills Critical and reflective thinking, particularly regarding the transformation of welfare systems and their impact on social work Comparative approach and sensitivity to differences between local, national, and transnational contexts Awareness of the normative and democratic implications of policy decisions and professional attitudes and practices

Required readings

see module descriptions

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Sustainable Development Goals
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals.

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Modules

Semester 1 · 53146A · Master in Social Work and Social Policy · 6CP · IT

Module A — Comparative Analysis of Welfare Systems

Comparative Analysis of Welfare Systems: Models, Historical Evolution, and Institutional Framework in the European Context. Focus on Social Equality and Reform Processes.

Lecturers: Marco Accorinti

Teaching Hours: 36
Lab Hours: 0

Course Topics
Analysis of social policy tools, multi-level governance, and financing models. Case studies on Nordic, Continental, and Mediterranean systems. Analysis of globalization effects and demographic shifts on welfare architectures.

Teaching format
Lectures also with the aid of learning platform.

Required readings

Kees Van Kersbergen and Barbara Vis Vu, Comparative Welfare State. Politics Development, Opportunities, and Reform, New York, Cambridge University Press, 2014

Semester 1 · 53146B · Master in Social Work and Social Policy · 6CP · DE

Module B — Social Work Theories, Ethics and Research

Introduction to theories, ethical principles, and research methods in social work. Focus on professionalism, ethical competence, and critical reflection.

Lecturers: Urban Nothdurfter

Teaching Hours: 36
Lab Hours: 0

Course Topics
The course addresses central theoretical, ethical, and methodological foundations and interconnections in social work at an advanced level. At its core is a critical engagement with the production, application, and anchoring of knowledge within the profession and discipline as well as in the wider context of societal transformations. The course explores both classical and contemporary theoretical approaches, ethical foundations, and research perspectives in social work. Particular attention is given to how knowledge in social work has been and continues to be (re)produced, legitimized, hegemonized, marginalized, or instrumentalized within historical and current power structures.

Teaching format
Lecture, close readings, presentations, discussion

Required readings

Köttig, M., Kubisch, S., & Spatscheck, C. (2023). Geteiltes Wissen–Wissensentwicklung in Disziplin und Profession Sozialer Arbeit (p. 328). Verlag Barbara Budrich.

Hammerschmidt, P., & Stecklina, G. (2022). Klassische Theorien der Sozialen Arbeit. Beltz Juventa. Hammerschmidt, P., Aner, K., & Weber, S. (2019). Zeitgenössische Theorien Sozialer Arbeit. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa.

Lambers, H. (2018). Theorien der Sozialen Arbeit: Ein Kompendium und Vergleich. utb GmbH.

Engelke, E., Borrmann, S., & Spatscheck, C. (2025). Theorien der Sozialen Arbeit: eine Einführung. Lambertus-Verlag. 8. Auflage

Franz, J., & Unterkofler, U. (Eds.). (2021). Forschungsethik in der Sozialen Arbeit: Prinzipien und Erfahrungen. Verlag Barbara Budrich.

Hölscher, D., Hugman, R., & McAuliffe, D. (Eds.). (2023). Social work theory and ethics: Ideas in practice. Springer Nature.

Payne, M. (2021). Modern social work theory. Bloomsbury Publishing. 5th edition

Healy, K. (2022). Social work theories in context: Creating frameworks for practice. Bloomsbury Publishing.

Marson, S., & McKinney, J. (Eds.). (2019). The Routledge handbook of social work ethics and values. Routledge.

Payne, M., & Reith-Hall, E. (Eds.). (2019). The Routledge handbook of social work theory. Routledge.

Shaw, I., Orme, J., & Briar-Lawson, K. (Eds.) (2009). The SAGE handbook of social work research. Sage.

Joubert, L., & Webber, M. (Eds.). (2020). The Routledge handbook of social work practice research. Routledge.

Kleibl, T., Lutz, R., Noyoo, N., Bunk, B., Dittmann, A., & Seepamore, B. (Eds.). (2019). The Routledge handbook of postcolonial social work. Routledge.

Sansfaçon, A. P., & Cowden, S. (2025). The ethical foundations of social work. Routledge.

Supplementary readings

Additional literature and working materials will be communicated or provided during the course.