Democratic Governance in the Nordic Welfare State
The course examines the fundamentals of democratic governance in the Nordic welfare democracies by focusing on the processes and interactions among various stakeholders. To this end, it provides students with an overview of the evolution and defining features of the Nordic welfare model, its systems of governance, trajectories of policy development and reform, as well as the roles of stakeholders such as citizens, trade unions, and the voluntary sector.
The course will also look at different concepts/approaches to governance and reforms being undertaken in the Nordic countries. We will explore various theories of public governance and policy to enable students to understand and analyze the nature of governance as well as strategy and impact of reform processes in the Nordic welfare democracies. Thus, students will be introduced to the strategies, content and implications of public sector reforms inspired by meta-reform concepts such as New Public Management (NPM) and New Public Governance (NPG). The course also explores the impacts of emerging network governance, that is, governance carried out through networks of quasi-governmental and private organizations responsible for delivering services.
Further, the course examines the challenges arising from the changing relationship between citizens and the state, the growing influence of interest groups and vested interests on policymaking, shifting ideologies and the politicization of welfare, the rise of populist and anti-establishment movements, the expansion of neoliberal policies, and the emergence of new governance models. These dynamics are examined in terms of their impact on legitimacy, trust, transparency, efficiency, democracy, and accountability in governing the welfare state.
Finally, we consider mechanisms to promote public participation, trust, legitimacy and democratic governance of the welfare state through social and political trust, co-creation, co-production and co-governance, as well as political engagement, advocacy and activism beyond deliberative democracy.
Mandatory course in Master in Social Analysis, specialization The Welfare Society, Power and Governance
The Course is offered as an elective in the Master's programme in HRM, and in the Master in Social Welfare, specialization Social Work.
It is also possible to apply for admission to the course as a single course. Admission is subject to available capacity.
The following admission requirements apply:
- Bachelor degree of 3 years' duration (180 ECTS).
- The applicant must have passed exams of at least 80 ECTS credits in social sciences. The grade requirement is C on a weighted average.
Knowledge
The student:
- has advanced knowledge of the role of public reforms in the Nordic welfare democracies
- has acquired knowledge on various theories of public governance and is able to discuss the challenges they present for handling change and for the management of public institutions.
- has knowledge of debates in public involvement, co-production and co-creation in relation to policy and welfare
- has knowledge of trends and principal debates in relation to public policy, steering practices and leadership.
- Is able to identify and use the knowledge to analyze and reflect on challenges pertaining to public policy, including the dilemmas and tensions between administrative and political leadership.
Skills
The student:
- is able to identify different theories of public governance, and can use the theories to analyze the content, process and outcome of public policy, including large-scale reform programmes in the Nordic welfare states.
- is able to critically reflect on new forms of public governance, including collaborative governance, and to evaluate their impact according to criteria such as efficiency, steering and democratic participation.
- is able to assess and analyze empirical data, which draw attention to the effects of reforms on democracy and their potential implications for the content and future of the Nordic welfares state model.
- is able to conduct independent analysis and present written assignments on the issues mentioned above.
General competence
The student:
- can apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the course to address, reflect and discuss relevant issues independently.
- can communicate the knowledge to relevant stakeholders, users and the general public
- can reflect on potential challenges to the Nordic Welfare state model based on the content and outcome of different reforms in the public sector
Teaching will be given in blocks.
Required coursework.
*The course is taught provided that a sufficient number of students register for it.
Required coursework: Students complete one individual required coursework of approximately 3 pages. Assessed as approved/not approved.
Assignment: Individual assignment. Maximum 10 pages. Graded A-F.
The exam can be conducted in Norwegian.
