There is relatively little serious criticism of U.S. socioeconomic policy by Americans. In fact, those Americans who do criticize U.S. socioeconomic policy from a radical perspective are often viewed as unpatriotic. This allows propaganda, myths, and political metaphysics to shape the thinking and images that Americans have about U.S. socioeconomic policy. These illusions in turn serve to legitimate existing social and economic policies. This course is designed to further the student's understanding of social policy issues from multinational and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Special attention is given to U.S. social policy.
It is designed to provide some conceptual and analytical tools which will enable the student to understand the nature of the chronic social, economic, and political problems in advanced capitalist countries. Concepts including fair wage, full employment, social citizenship and economic equity will be critically analyzed and critiqued. Two primary aims of the course are to help the student comprehend the underlying causes of the oppressive conditions worldwide and to stimulate ideas and discussion about strategies and policies which offer ways to make our world more humane. Poverty, Inequality and the Future os Social Policy . Russell Sage Foundation, 1996.