POL300H1Y L0101

Topics in Comparative Politics

Gender and Public Policy: Canadian and Comparative Approaches

Themes

This course introduces students to how gender functions in the policy arena. The use of “gender” as an analytical category will be assessed critically. Students will explore how public policies have divergent impacts on men, women, and other social groups. They will also examine the different ways in which public policies can be made more responsive to gender and diversity concerns. In addition, students will discuss and debate different methods of gender policy analysis. Various policy issues will be considered throughout the course, with special attention placed on policies on welfare provision, immigration, and reproductive rights. The empirical focus of the course will be cross-national, with readings taken from Canadian and international sources. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to consider notions of justice and inequality as theoretical tools to analyze public policy.

Texts

TBA

Format and Requirements

Essays, tests, class participation.

Prerequisites

1.0 POL credit