This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the sociological perspectives on the social state. The aim of the course is to teach students the ability to analyse society and social interactions using theories relating to social inequalities with a focus on social class, economic structures and political economy. They will learn to think critically about key sociological concepts of power, inequality and class, along with concepts of capitalism and neoliberalism. They will become familiar with their historical background and variations depending on geographical area, particularly regarding the division of the world into the global North and South. They will also learn to analyse the principles and effects of neoliberalism on social policies and welfare systems. Different concepts will be studied in context, especially in the areas of consumption, work, and social work. Students will thus understand and critically engage with various social theories, and apply them, while exploring various social trends. 1. Introduction to social inequalities 2. Introduction to capitalism 3. Capitalism and neoliberalism and their sociological implications 4. State socialism in Central-Eastern Europe 5. Social state: its role, critiques and alternatives 6. Capitalism, neoliberalism and social state in Europe and the Czech Republic 7. Capitalism, neoliberalism and social state in the Global South 8. Transformation of work and social state 9. Sociology and social classes 10. Social class inequalities and social state 11. Current and emerging issues of social state for social work practice 12. The future of the social state in the global context
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