Transforming society: politics, economics and social policy

Britain is undergoing rapid social change, for example, in relation to the effects of Brexit, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. This course explores politics, economics and social policy to explain recent social transformations. Topics covered will include socio-economic theories of change. A review will be provided of the policy successes and failures of Thatcherism, New Labour and the Coalition government which, to varying degrees, altered Britain. The efficacy of developments in social policy including Brexit, the government’s response to the pandemic, levelling up and measures to tackle the cost-of-living crisis will also be explored. This is a 10-session course and must be taken with W310Pm02 in Week 3.