POL439H1

The Canadian Welfare State in Comparative Perspective

The course examines contemporary Canadian social policy in light of the scholarly literature on the welfare states of advanced industrial societies. Topics include the variety of welfare state regimes in rich nations, and their comparative performance in reducing inequality and poverty, in labour market and economic outcomes, and in addressing the specific circumstances of women. Specific Canadian policy fields examined will include pensions, social assistance, child care and health insurance.