Race, Ethnicity and Social Policy
Module Code: SO7006
- ECTS Credit : 5
- Mandatory/ Optional : Optional
- Module Coordinator : Dr Elaine Moriarty
- Module Length: 8 weeks (Michaelmas Term)
Module Description:
This module explores the relationship between race and the organisation of society by the state and its agencies, by undertaking a critical examination of policies, practices and legislation related to ethnic and racial issues in Ireland. The module will locate race and contemporary social policy in the context of the social, cultural and political changes associated with globalisation and Europeanisation. In examining the problematic and contested nature of the concepts of race and ethnicity, the module will examine how ascriptive classification (based on notions of race) conditions social policy and its delivery. This will involve exploring the principles underpinning particular sources of identity and difference and a consideration of how such recognition/representation may be occasioning policy, deliberately and inadvertently. This exploration will include frameworks of equality, anti racism and multiculturalism as interventions which seek to promote cultural pluralism and justice.
The module will trace the development of policy regarding ethnic minorities in Ireland from the first significant piece of legislation concerning Travellers in 1963 through the various pieces of legislation and policy introduced since regarding Travellers, asylum, refugee and immigration issues. Thus, in aiming to explore and develop students’ awareness of the role of social policy in ethnic and racial issues in an Irish context, the module aims to put theory into context and deepen students’ understanding of how policy impacts on the daily lived experiences of members of minority ethnic communities, refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Understand and discuss key concepts relating to race, ethnicity and social policy;
- assess race and social policy in the context of globalisation and Europeanisation;
- critically examine policies, practices and legislation related to ethnic and racial issues in Ireland;
- identify and assess the dominant discourses adopted and enacted by the state with regard to members of ethnic minority communities, refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants;
- critically evaluate how policy impacts on the daily lives of members of ethnic minority communities, refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants.
Delivery and syllabus:
The module will be organised around 11 seminars in Michaelmas Term. The module will include guest lectures, field trips, seminars and student led presentations.
Recommended Texts
- C. Williams & MRD Johnson. 2010. Race and Ethnicity in a Welfare Society. UK: Open University Press.
- N. Finney and L. Simpson. 2009. Sleepwalking to Segregation?: Challenging Myths about Race and Migration. Bristol: Policy.
- Craig, G. Atkin, K, Chattoo, S. and Flynn, R. (Eds.) 2012. Understanding ‘Race’ and Ethnicity: Theory, History, Policy, Practice. UK: The Policy Press.
- B. Fanning (ed.) 2007. Immigration and Social Change in the Republic of Ireland. Manchester & New York: Manchester University Press.
- Hantrais, L. 2007. Social Policy in the European Union. Basingstoke: Macmillan.
Assessment
Students will be assessed through the completion of a written group project (2 - 3,000 words), based on student-led class presentations, which critically evaluates an aspect of social policy in a relevant area.