Winners? Losers? Inequality in Australia

Subject 586-303 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Students are expected to devote approximately 5 hours per week to this subject. (30 Contact hours, 12 hours of class preparation, 18 hours of assessment related tasks = 60 hours)
Prerequisites: Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work. This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's courses. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Winsome Roberts
Subject Overview:

This subject examines the multiplier effect of advantage and disadvantage in the current neoliberal political economy. It starts by analysing how earning a living distributes privilege before moving on to look at the structuring of prestige and power and how this is experienced in everyday life through classism, sexism and racism. The second half of the subject focuses on inequality in Australia from a political perspective and examines practices designed to redress inequality. It looks at history of the welfare state and the ideal of building a common wealth to create equality of conditions. It concludes by looking at legislative and administrative actions to achieve equality of opportunity and what is entailed by affirmative action.

Assessment: There will be two assignments of 2000 words each, worth 50% each (due mid-semester and end of semester). A hurdle requirement of a minimum 75% attendance of tutorials applies.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • have skills in reading and understanding policy documents and legislation;
  • be aware of the competing interests that together shape such policies and documents;
  • be able to link theory and practice;
  • be able to organise issues and competing arguments into logical frameworks of presentation.
Links to further information: http://www.socialwork.unimelb.edu.au/
Notes:

The disciplines of Nursing and Social Work are now co-managed within the Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences. At the time of publication Social Work subjects are under the administrative management of the School of Nursing.

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