Oslo, Norway

The Norwegian Welfare State

This course presents the historical background, development and present-day challenges of the Norwegian welfare state. It examines the role of values and norms in shaping the services offered by the welfare state, as well as how the structure of the state in turn shapes societal norms and values. The course follows how political debates concerning the country's welfare programs have shifted in response to accelerated immigration, changing gender roles and shifting employment patterns. It pays special attention to universal welfare services, work-family balance and the Introduction Programme (Norway’s integration package), as these are some of the distinctive features of the Norwegian welfare state. Additional modules on education, healthcare, childcare, corrections and labour market policy will demonstrate values and norms in practice, as well as highlight the challenges that increased globalization presents to a state welfare system. At the end of the course, students will be able to discuss the foundations of the welfare state, as well as compare different welfare regimes and their responses to common challenges.

Target group

Applicants must meet the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.

Course aim

Students will gain insight into the historical background, the development and the present-day challenges of the Norwegian welfare state and will on this basis be able to make a comparative analysis of the social structures and institutions in their own and other countries.

Fee info

NOK 0: Due to the fluid situation regarding the Coronavirus, all Bachelor's courses will be offered as digital courses, at no cost (students must buy course books themselves).