Professor Y. Rachel Zhou Institute on Globalization and the Human ...

<strong>Professor</strong> Y. <strong>Rachel</strong> <strong>Zhou</strong> 

<strong>Institute</strong> on Globalization and the Human Condition 

Tuesdays, 8:30am ‐11:20am 

Location: KTH B108 

Email: zhoura@mcmaster.ca 

Office Hour: Thursdays, 1‐2pm or by appointment (KTH 322) 

GLOBAL ST 704 GLOBAL SOCIAL POLICY 

FALL 2011 

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

Globalization processes have profoundly shaped the political, social, economic and cultural 

landscapes at local, national, regional and global levels. National social policy has been 

increasingly affected by global economic competition as well as global interdependence. 

Ongoing welfare reforms across the world have changed the relationship between the state 

and its citizen, as well as the relationship among nation‐states. For instance, social costs 

resulting from welfare reform have been predominantly borne by those who are marginalized 

because of their gender, age, socio‐economic status, (im)migrant status, health status, ‘race’, 

ethnicity, language, and/or other social dimensions, in both national and transnational contexts. 

It is accepted that, in the global era, social policy has to be understood in terms of global social 

redistribution and social development. 

This interdisciplinary course introduces students to key concepts and issues of global 

social policy and its connections with globalization processes. It examines trends in global social 

policy and the diverse experiences of different welfare regimes across the world. Locating social 

policy within the context of global inequalities, this course also seeks a deeper understanding of 

the issues of poverty, social exclusion, and development from an international perspective. In 

discussing the challenges and possibilities regarding the future of welfare, the roles of various 

non‐state actors (e.g., transnational corporations, inter‐governmental organizations, and 

international NGOs) in pursuing social justice and human rights in the global context are also 

addressed. The required readings for this course present multiple (sometimes even contested) 

perspectives on social policy and its impacts in the global context. Viewing globalization as 

multiple‐layered processes, this course seeks to map the variety of thoughts and reflections of 

scholars from different social, economic, political, theoretical, and/or geographical positions 

that have shaped current understandings and theorizations of global social policy. 

Global 704_ Course Outline 2011 1

COURSE OBJECTIVES 

• To understand the relationship between globalization and social policy; 

• To understand the global and local context of social policy making and its 

implementation; 

• To understand the interaction between global social policy and social and human 

development in local, national and transnational contexts; 

• To recognize and reflect on the perspectives underpinning various social policy 

responses at both local and global levels; 

• To develop critical thinking of local‐global connections in the context of social policy; 

• To understand and address social justice issues arising out of globalization processes 

and the processes of social policy making and implementation. 

REQUIRED TEXTS 

1. Yeates, N. (Ed.) (2008). Understanding global social policy. Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. 

2. Hudson, J., Kuhner, S., & Lowe, S. (2008). The short guide to social policy. Bristol, UK: The 

Policy Press. 

3. Steger, M. B. (2003). Globalization: A very short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University 

Press. 

4. The readings (scholarly journal articles and reports) can be accessed through the electronic 

system of McMaster University Library or the websites indicated. For more information 

about how to find an electronic article, go to 

http://library.mcmaster.ca/find/findejournals.htm. 

*Note: You can purchase the required textbooks as well as the course pack that consists of all 

required readings at Titles McMaster University Bookstore. 

COURSE EVALUATION 

1. Participation (10%) 

Students’ attendance and participation are crucial for this course. They are expected to come 

to class on time, complete the required readings, and take an active part in the discussion. 

2. In‐class presentation (15%) 

Each student will be responsible for giving a presentation (10%) based on the readings of a 

particular week and for preparing critical questions to be circulated in advance (5%) for class 

discussion. 


The main objective of this presentation is to share your understanding, interpretations 

and critiques of the readings. The length of the presentation will be around 25 minutes, but 

may be five minutes longer if two or more students co‐present. 

The questions that will be circulated in advance are expected to lead to a discussion that 

can enrich students’ understanding of individual articles, as well as the week’s topic. Students 

should send the questions to the instructor at least two days before the class for feedback (or 

suggestions for revisions) before sending them to all students before the class. Although it is 

not mandatory, students are encouraged to facilitate (or co‐facilitate, if you are presenting with 

a partner) the discussion of these questions. 

3. Response Paper (25%) 

In the response paper students are expected to develop their own argument on an issue arising 

out of the readings of a particular week through a comprehensive and critical review of all of 

those readings. The topics students select should NOT overlap with those they choose for their 

in‐class presentations. The paper (in hard copy) must be submitted in class on the day we 

address those readings. No outside research is necessary for a response paper. The paper 

should be double‐spaced, 8‐10 pages (about 2,000‐2,500 words). The last day to submit the 

second response paper is November 29, 2011. 

4. Final Paper (50%) 

In the final paper students are expected to engage in an in‐depth discussion on an issue arising 

out of the course (required readings, class discussion, as well as other GSP related issues). This 

paper may expand on themes developed in the shorter response paper. Consultation can be 

arranged to help students prepare this assignment. The paper should be double‐spaced, 18‐20 

pages (4,500‐5,000 words, excluding references), and submitted both electronically via email 

and in hard copy. It is due on Monday, December 12, 2011. 

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION 

Assignments must be submitted on the due date by the end of class. A 2% reduction will be 

applied each day (i.e., Monday ‐ Sunday) after the due date. Assignments that are not 

submitted within a week after their due date will automatically receive a grade of zero. 

Assignments handed in to the <strong>Institute</strong> Office (or Social Work Office, KTH 319) must have the 

date stamped on the front cover. In addition, please adhere to the following criteria for 

assignment preparation: 

1. All assignments must include a title page with all relevant course information, adhere 

to the page limits specified, be formatted with 12 pt. font and standard margins, and 

be stapled; 

2. The citations and references in all assignments (if applicable) must use APA style: more 

information is available through the e‐Resources link on the library home page 

http://library.mcmaster.ca and at http://www.apastyle.org. 


ACADEMIC DISHONESTY 

Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means 

and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit 

with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic 

dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. It is the student’s 

responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the 

various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically 

Appendix 3 at http://www.mcmaster.ca/senate/academic/ac_integrity.htm. 

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty: a) plagiarism, e.g. the 

submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has been obtained; b) 

improper collaboration in group work; or c) copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and 

examinations. 

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES 

Centre for Student Development offers academic support services (e.g., writing skills, time 

management, international student services, and personal counselling). Detailed information is 

available at http://csd.mcmaster.ca/. 

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES EMAIL COMMUNICATION POLICY 

Effective September 1, 2010, it is the policy of the Faculty of Social Sciences that all e‐mail 

communication sent from students to instructors (including TAs), and from students to staff, 

must originate from the student’s own McMaster University e‐mail account. This policy 

protects confidentiality and confirms the identity of the student. It is the student’s 

responsibility to ensure that communication is sent to the university from a McMaster account. 

If an instructor becomes aware that a communication has come from an alternate address, the 

instructor may not reply at his or her discretion. 

Email Forwarding in MUGSI: http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/support/email/emailforward.html 

*Forwarding will take effect 24‐hours after students complete the process at the above link 

The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the 

term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme 

circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and 

communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to 

comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check his/her McMaster email 

and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes. 


TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE 

Note: If you officially registered for the course, you were automatically enrolled in the database 

of the Avenue to Learn (http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/). 

Sept. 13 

Introduction 

Introduction to this course and the assignments (No readings). 

Sept. 20 

Introduction: Globalization, social policy, and their relationships 

Hudson, J., Kuhner, S., & Lowe, S. (2008). The short guide to social policy. Bristol, UK: The Policy 

Press. 

Steger, M. B. (2003). Globalization: A very short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 

* To better understand the relationship between globalization and social policy, you should first 

get acquainted with those two key concepts through the required readings. You will share, in 

class, your understanding of globalization and social policy: covering such aspects as definitions, 

key issues, examples, debates, puzzles, questions, and reflections. Based on what is said then, 

we will have a preliminary discussion on the relationship between them. 

Sept. 27 

What is “global social policy”? 

Yeates, N. (2008). The idea of global social policy. In N. Yeates (Ed.), Understanding global social 

policy (pp.1‐24). Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. 

Deacon, B. (2008). Global and regional social governance. In N. Yeates (Ed.), Understanding 

global social policy (pp.25‐48). Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. 

Hulme, R., & Hulme, M. (2008). The global transfer of social policy. In N. Yeates (Ed.), 

Understanding global social policy (pp.49‐72). Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. 

Suddath, C. (2010). Who are gypsies, and why is France deporting them? Time Magazine, 

August 26. Available at: 

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2013917,00.html#ixzz0ziYs6shW 

Oct. 4 

Social welfare and social justice in a context of globalization 

*<strong>Zhou</strong>, Y. R. (2009). Welfare. In G. H. Fagan & R. Munck (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Globalisation 

and Security (pp. 387‐404). US: Praeger Press. 


Holdren, C. (2008). International trade and welfare. In N. Yeates (Ed.), Understanding global 

social policy (pp.101‐122). Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. 

Mills, M. (2009). Globalization and Inequality. European Sociological Review, 25 (1), 1‐8. 

Clarke, J. (2005). Welfare states as nation states: Some conceptual reflections. Social Policy & 

Society, 4(4), 407‐ 415. 

Young, I. M. (2006). Responsibility and global justice: A social connection model. Social 

Philosophy and Policy, 23 (1), 102‐130. 

Oct. 11 

Welfare states, globalization, and (beyond) neoliberalism 

Larner, W. (2000). Neo‐liberalism: Policy, ideology, governmentality. Studies in Political 

Economy, 63, 5‐26. 

Hartman, Y. (2005). In bed with the enemy: Some ideas on the connections between 

Neoliberalism and the welfare state. Current Sociology, 53, 57‐73. 

Hermann, C. (2007). Neoliberalism in the European Union. Studies in Political Economy, 79, 61‐ 

89. 

Jenson, J. (2010). Diffusing ideas for after neoliberalism: The social investment perspective in 

Europe and Latin America. Global Social Policy, 10, 59‐84. 

*Suggested reading (optional): Cheng, T. (2007). How is “welfare-to-work” shaped by 

contingencies of economy, welfare policy and human capital? International Journal of Social 

Welfare, 16 (3), 212-219. 

Oct. 18 

Social policy reforms in development contexts 

Mares, I., & Carnes M. E. (2009). Social policy in developing countries. Annual Review of Political 

Science, 12, 93‐113. 

Barrientos, A., & Hulme, D. (2009). Social protection for the poor and poorest in developing 

countries: Reflections on a quiet revolution (Commentary). Oxford Development Studies, 37(4), 

439‐459. 

Kwon, H. (2009). The reform of the developmental welfare state in East Asia. International 

Journal of Social Welfare, 18 (s1), S12‐S21. 


<strong>Zhou</strong>, Y. R. (2008). Economic reform, neoliberal globalization and social policy: Reconstructing 

the relationship between the state, the market and citizens in China. Global Social Policy, 8 (1), 

115‐128. 

Nelson, J. M. (2011). Social policy reforms in Latin America: Urgent but frustrating. Latin 

American Research Review, 46(1), 226‐239. 

Adesina, J. (2009). Social policy in sub‐Saharan Africa: A glance in the rear‐view mirror. 

International Journal of Social Welfare, 18 (S1), S37‐S51. 

*Suggested readings (optional): Devereux, S., & White, P. (2010). Social Protection in Africa: 

Evidence, Politics and Rights. Poverty & Public Policy, 2 (3), 53-77. 

Riesco, M. (2009). Latin America: a new developmental welfare state model in the making? 

International Journal of Social Welfare, 18 (s1), S22-S36. 

Kwon, S., & Holliday, I. (2007).The Korean welfare state: a paradox of expansion in an era of 

globalisation and economic crisis. International Journal of Social Welfare, 16 (3), 242-248. 

Taylor, M. (2003). The reformulation of social policy in Chile, 1973-2001: Questioning a 

neoliberal model. Global Social Policy, 3(1), 21-44. 

Oct. 25 

Global labour: Rights, standards, and challenges 

O’Brien, R. (2008). Global labour policy. In N. Yeates (Ed.), Understanding global social policy 

(pp.123‐148). Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. 

International Labour Organization (2010). Executive summary of the world of work report 2010: 

From one crisis to the next? Available at: 

http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@dgreports/@dcomm/documents/publication/wc 

ms_145112.pdf 

Spilerman, S. (2009). How globalization has impacted labour: A review essay. European 

Sociological Review, 25 (1), 73‐86. 

Standing, G. (2008). The ILO: An Agency for Globalization? Development and Change, 39 (3), 

355‐384. 

Wells, D. (2009). Local worker struggles in the global South: reconsidering Northern impacts on 

international labour standards. Third World Quarterly, 30(3), 567‐579. 

*Suggested readings (optional): Wickramasekara, P. (2008). Globalisation, international labour 

migration and the rights of migrant workers. Third World Quarterly, 29 (7), 1247 – 1264. 


Wise, R. D. (2006). Migration and imperialism: The Mexican workforce in the context of 

NAFTA. Latin American Perspectives, 33, 33-45. 

Kabeer, N. (2004). Globalization, labour standards, and women’s rights: Dilemmas of collective 

(in)action in an interdependent world. Feminist Economics, 10 (1), 3 – 35. 

Nadvi, K. (2008). Global standards, global governance and the organization of global value 

chains. Journal of Economic Geography, 8(3), 323-343. 

Orbie J., & Babarinde, O. (2008). The social dimension of globalization and EU development 

policy: Promoting core labour standards and corporate social responsibility. Journal of European 

Integration, 30(3), 459 – 477. 

Nov. 1 

International migration: Mobility, development, and management 

Yeates, N. (2008). Global migration policy. In N. Yeates (Ed.), Understanding global social policy 

(pp.229‐252). Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. 

International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2010). Executive summary: World migration 

report 2010 ‐ The future of migration: Building capacities for change. Available at: 

http://publications.iom.int/bookstore/free/WMR2010_summary.pdf 

Castles, S., & Miller, M. J. (2009). Introduction. In S. Castles & M. J. Miller (Eds.), The age of 

migration: International population movements in the modern world (4th ed.) (pp. 1‐19). New 

York and London: The Guilford Press. Available at http://www.age‐ofmigration.com/na/assets/pdfs/sample.pdf 

De Haas, H. (2010). Migration and development: A theoretical perspective. International 

Migration Review, 44 (1), 227‐264. 

Mitchell, K. (2001). Transnationalism, neo‐liberalism, and the rise of the shadow state. Economy 

and Society, 30 (2), 165 – 189. 

*Suggested readings (optional): Adesina, J. (2009). Social policy in sub-Saharan Africa: A 

glance in the rear-view mirror. International Journal of Social Welfare, 18 (S1), S37-S51. 

Misra, M. J., Woodring, J., & Merz, S. N. (2006). The globalization of care work: Neoliberal 

economic restructuring and migration policy. Globalizations, 3 (3), 317 – 332. 

Nov. 8 

HIV/AIDS as an example: Disease, health equity, global governance 

Koivusalo, M., & Ollola, E. (2008). Global health policy. In N. Yeates (Ed.), Understanding global 



UNAIDS (2010). UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic 2010 (Chapter 1, Introduction, pp. 

7‐14). Available at: 

http://www.unaids.org/documents/20101123_GlobalReport_Chap1_em.pdf 

Rowden, R. (2008). Blocking progress: The IMF and HIV/AIDS. Global Social Policy, 8, 19‐24. 

Johnson, K. (2005). Globalization, social policy and the state: An analysis of HIV/AIDS in South 

Africa. New Political Science, 27 (3), 309‐329. 

Renwick, N. (2007). Global society's response to HIV/AIDS: Botswana's experience. Global 

Society, 21, 133 – 153. 

Hein, W., & Kohlmorgen, L. (2008). Global health governance: Conflicts on global social rights. 

Global Social Policy, 8, 80‐108. 

*Suggested readings (optional): UNAIDS (2010). UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic 

2010 (Chapter 2, Epidemic Update, pp. 16-61). Available at: 

http://www.unaids.org/documents/20101123_GlobalReport_Chap2_em.pdf 

Bond P., & Dor, G. (2003). Uneven health outcomes and political resistance under residual 

neoliberalism in Africa. International Journal of Health Services, 33, 607-630. 

Schrecker T., & Labonte R. (2004). Taming the brain drain: A challenge for public health 

systems in Southern Africa. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 10, 

409-415. 

Nov. 15 

Autonomy, power and responsibility: The role of non‐state actors 

Farnsworth, K. (2008). Business and global social policy formation. In N. Yeates (Ed.), 


Park, S. (2005). How transnational environmental advocacy networks socialize international 

financial institutions: A case study of the international finance corporation. Global 

Environmental Politics, 5 (4), 95‐119. 

Sissenich, B. (2008). Cross‐National Policy Networks and the State: EU Social Policy Transfer to 

Poland and Hungary. European Journal of International Relations, 14(3), 455‐487. 

Sklair, L., & Miller, D. (2010). Capitalist globalization, corporate social responsibility and social 

policy. Global Social Policy, 10 (1), 59‐84. 

*Suggested reading (optional): Stubbs, P. (2003). International non-State actors and social 

development policy. Global Social Policy, 3 (3), 319-348. 


Deacon, B. (2007). The Social Policy of International Non-State Actors. In B. Deacon, Global 

social policy and governance (pp. 88-108). London: Sage. (e-book is available at McMaster 

Library) 

Utting, P. (2007). CSR and equality. Third World Quarterly, 28 (4), 697 – 712. 

Kilgour, M. A. (2007). The UN global compact and substantive equality for women: Revealing a 

“well hidden” mandate. Third World Quarterly, 28 (4), 751-773. 

Nov. 22 

Other dimensions of “global social policy” 

Ming, A. C. C., Cheng, S., & Phillips, D. (2007). The aging of Asia: Policy lessons, challenges. 

Global Asia, 2(2). Available at: http://globalasia.org/pdf/issue3/v2n2ming.pdf 

Kumar, S. (2008). Global housing and urban policy. In N. Yeates (Ed.), Understanding global 


Orenstein, M. A. (2008). Global pension policy. In N. Yeates (Ed.), Understanding global social 

policy (pp.207‐228). Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. 

Sexton, S., Lohmann, L., & Hildyard, N. (2008). Global population policy. In N. Yeates (Ed.), 


*Suggested reading (optional): Lynch, J. (2001). The age-orientation of social policy regimes in 

OECD countries. Journal of Social Policy, 30, 411-436. 

Buchholz, S., Hofäcker, D., Mills, M., Blossfeld, H., Kurz, K., & Hofmeister, H. (2009). Life 

Courses in the Globalization Process: The Development of Social Inequalities in Modern 

Societies. European Sociological Review, 25 (1), 53-71. 

Nov. 29 

The future of global social policy: Possibilities and challenges 

Yeates, N. (2002). Globalization and social policy: From global neoliberal hegemony to global 

political pluralism. Global Social Policy, 2(1), 69‐91. 

Yeates, N. (2008). Conclusion. In N. Yeates (Ed.), Understanding global social policy (pp.279‐ 

290). Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. 

Deacon, B. (2005). From “Safety nets” back to “universal social provision”: Is the global tide 

turning? Global Social Policy, 5(1), 19‐28. 

Catney, P. & Doyle, T. (2011). The welfare of now and the green (post) politics of the future. 

Critical Social Policy, 31 (2), 174‐193. 


SOME USEFUL RFERENCES 

Books: 

Aina, A. T. A., Chachage, C. S. L., & Annan‐Yao, E. (Eds.) (2004). Globalization and social policy in 

Africa. Oxford, UK: CODESRIA. 

Deacon, B. with Hulse, M. & Stubbs, P. (1997). Global social policy: International organisations 

and the future of welfare, London: Sage. 

Deacon, B. (2007). Global social policy and governance. London: Sage. 

George, V. & Page, R. (2004). Global social problems. Cambridge: Polity. 

George, V. & Wilding, P. (2002). Globalization and human welfare. Basingstoke: Palgrave. 

Jones‐Finer, C. (ed.) (1999). Transnational social policy. Oxford: Blackwell. 

Lewis, G., Gewirtz, S. & Clarke, J. (eds.) (2000). Rethinking social policy. London: Sage. 

Leibfried, S. & Rieger, E. (2003).Limits to globalization: Welfare states and the world economy. 

Oxford, UK: Polity Press. 

Midgley, J. (1997). Social welfare in global context. London: Sage. 

Mishra, R. (1999). Globalization and the welfare state. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. 

Mkandawire, T. (ed.) (2004). Social policy in a development context. New York: Palgrave & 

UNRISD. 

Nagel, S. S. & Robb, A. (eds.). (2001). Handbook of global social policy. New York: Marcel Dekker 

Inc. 

Nakagawa, J. (ed.) (2006). Managing development: Globalization, economic restructuring and 

social policy. London & New York: Routledge. 

Yeates, N. (2001). Globalization and social policy. London: Sage. 

Yeates, N. & Holden, C. (ed.) (2009). The global social policy reader. Bristol, UK: The Policy Press. 

Scholarly Journals: 

Global Social Policy 

Critical Social Policy 

Poverty & Public Policy 

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy 

Social Policy and Administration 

International Journal of Social Welfare 

Social Policy & Society 

Websites: 

International and Comparative Social Policy Group http://www.globalwelfare.net 

Global Policy Forum http://www.globalpolicy.org/ 

Global Issues http://www.globalissues.org/ 

The United Nations Research <strong>Institute</strong> for Social Development http://www.unrisd.org/ 

Human Development Report – United National Development Programme http://hdr.undp.org/ 

Canadian Council on Social Development http://www.ccsd.ca/home.htm 

International Organization for Migration http://www.iom.int/

Professor Y. Rachel Zhou Institute on Globalization and the Human ...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?