Self-Governance and Social Policy

The focus of this course is the analysis of the contribution of self-governing bodies to the organization of social protection mechanisms. Specifically, Local Government Organizations contribute—on a case-by-case basis—to the implementation of social policy. Within the context of their specific functions, a series of important questions arise regarding the role of self-governance in organizing state functions, social protection systems, the operation of social welfare structures, the arrangement of social protection interventions in the field, and more. The exploration of the significance of the subnational level in social policy constitutes the core of the course. Issues of designing and implementing social policy actions and structures are examined through the lens of the dynamic relationship between subnational, national, and supranational levels. The possibilities and limits, weaknesses and strengths of self-governing bodies in the field of social policy are specifically investigated in the context of developing supranational collaborations and the pursuit of common goals at both the national and supranational levels, particularly at the level of the European Union. The practical applications analyzed pertain to cases from European countries, with special references made to the Greek context.