ILRIC 6325

The European Social Model

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2019-2020.

This course examines the past and future of the "European Social Model."  Europe has long been known for its strong labor unions and social regulation of labor markets. We will ask to what extent these traditions have been maintained or transformed in the face of market liberalization and integration within the European Union.  The class is organized in three parts. In part one, we will discuss the history of, and recent changes in, different national models within Europe, including Germany, the Nordic countries, and France. In part two, we will compare major areas of labor market policy across European countries, including pay, parental leave, gender quotas, employment protection, and working time flexibility. In part three, we will examine the process and politics of European integration in the European Union (EU), including extension into Central and Eastern European countries and migration within Europe. The class will conclude with a discussion of present challenges facing the EU: crisis and austerity in Greece; the UK's pending 'Brexit' from the EU; and growing popular support for Far Right political parties.

When Offered Spring.

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