Social Policy covers a core field of study in Social Work education. A critical review of different perspectives around modern social welfare systems as well as their modes of production, background and historical paths proves to be essential for understanding the social role and functions that Social Workers see operating in contemporary society.
On the other hand, in their current institutional reality, Social Workers predominantly practice their professional activity within public and private organizations for the administration of social policies. In this way, the study of trends and key factors that influence and characterise contemporary social policies proves to be essential for understanding the institutional framework for exercising the profession, for knowing the resources and strategies available to meet human and social needs, and for understanding the effects produced in the lives of individuals and families.
The curricular unit of Social Policy I presents itself as an introductory course, covering the major themes and issues of Social Policy in articulation with the UC of Social Policy in Portugal and in the European Union (taught in the 2nd semester) which will focus on issues of social policy in Portugal and in the European context.
