Health and policy in the welfare state
The course introduces welfare research and adopts a historical and comparative perspective based on different countries and different welfare models. It addresses how the welfare state’s institutional characteristics and programmes can affect stratification processes and health – for example by policies that may affect the social determinants of health such as impact on gender differences, redistribution of resources, and poverty risks. The course further covers neoliberal influences on public health and welfare policies, and some of its consequences, since the 1990s such as: marketisation of health and welfare systems through privatisation and de-regulation, shifts towards conditioning and activation policies, individualisation of health, and responsibilisation.
Course information
Course code
PH008F1
Course credits
7.5
Course dates
October 1 - November 2, 2026.
Course syllabus
Syllabus PH008F1, valid from Autumn 2021
Kursplan PH008F1, giltig fr.o.m. HT2021
Course manager
Schedule
Please note that the schedule may change until one month before the course starts.
Literature list
Please note that the literature list may change until two months before the course starts.
Literature list PH008F1, valid from Autumn 2026
More information
This course is offered in collaboration with Master’s programme in public health sciences. Teaching occasions are to be attended jointly with master students.
All registered students will get access to more detailed course information in the learning platform Canvas.
Studying with a disability
If you have a long-term disability, you can apply for disability study support during your studies. The aim is to give you the opportunity to study on equal terms.
Admission
If you are interested in taking the course, please send an email to our study administrator at phd.admin.publichealth@su.se .
Application deadline: three months prior to course start.
Contact
Last updated: 2026-08-31
Source: Department of Public Health Sciences