Sociology of Labour
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a general understanding of the transformation of work and employment patterns in the economies of developed countries, using the comparative method, from a sociological perspective. The course deals with the developments that have taken place in the post-Fordism phase that is in the transition to a service and knowledge economy, paying attention to some crucial aspects. We consider the dimension of markets globalization, the imposition of digital technologies in the way of delivering and intermediate work, the changing structure and composition of employment, the new forms of inequality and segmentation that characterize contemporary labour markets. Finally, we analyse the reforms and labour policies implemented in recent years on the European scenario, considering their impact on social risks and contractual conditions. The objective is to provide a quite in-depth knowledge of the topics covered, also using institutional and international statistical sources, databases and results from the most accredited empirical and theoretical research on the evolution of work and future prospects.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired a good knowledge of the interpretative categories of the sociology of work, of the transformations of labour markets and of the social challenges that have opened up over the last twenty years. A fair knowledge of statistical sources on work and employment (Labour Force Surveys) and of the main research methodologies applied to the study of the labour market. In terms of competences, the expectation is that they have acquired a good familiarity in reading and constructing tables, synoptic tables, graphs (through continuous exercises in the classroom). A quite good critical ability, deriving from the recall during the lessons of the interpretative aspects more than merely descriptive, the policy implications, the open problems, stimulating the discussion in class and the continuous search for pertinent examples. Good communication skills, through the presentation of short reports in class (in PP) on limited assigned topics, articles or case studies; a fairly good synthesis ability, favoured during the lesson by a continuous recall of the salient points of the treated topics and by a final synthesis lesson of the course. Finally, an ability to make interconnections both between different disciplines (in particular labour economics, work organization and management, labour law), and between related issues, elements of continuity and discontinuity with the past.
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
Starting from the question of whether work in the 21st century is still at the center of society, as it certainly was in the 20th century, the course deals with the theme of the transformation of the three meanings of work (labor, work, action) which has intensified in the last few three decades and the disruptive role that new information and digital technologies have today, while the entire world division of labor is radically redefining itself. Starting from this changed scenario, the course reinterprets the great classics of sociology and proposes an updated and innovative reading of the interpretation of the work, as an agency and identity tool for each company. Division of labor and its regulation know today unprecedented combinations that are addressed in the course. Through numerous insights (Focus), topics such as multinational work, new self-employment, gender and generations, labor policies and reforms are also addressed in an interdisciplinary perspective.
In the first part of the course, dedicated to the development of the sociology of work, it is shown how the sociological discipline, starting from its origins, has conceptualized and researched work. The aim is to present the theories adopted, the methods used and the ways in which the work was represented.
In the second part of the course we consider the economic and social value of work, with the aim of providing a map of the transformations of the technical and social division of work and employment (new professions, new work activities, job creation and destruction, analysis of the sectors of economic activity) and to show how sociology is interpreting them. The theme of the division of labor has been developed from the perspective of demand (businesses, transnational companies and outsourcing processes in the global value chain) and supply (workers, employees, self-employed, with flexible contracts).
The third part is dedicated to the topic of work regulation and the reasons why sociology is involved in the study of the rules of operation of the labor market, control over work, the relationship between collective actors, public policies, all factors that interact. and shape the arena of work. Why does work need to be regulated? The answer stems from the need to correct and try to eradicate social inequalities. This is also the reason why the labor market needs additional rules over any other market.
In the first part of the course, dedicated to the development of the sociology of work, it is shown how the sociological discipline, starting from its origins, has conceptualized and researched work. The aim is to present the theories adopted, the methods used and the ways in which the work was represented.
In the second part of the course we consider the economic and social value of work, with the aim of providing a map of the transformations of the technical and social division of work and employment (new professions, new work activities, job creation and destruction, analysis of the sectors of economic activity) and to show how sociology is interpreting them. The theme of the division of labor has been developed from the perspective of demand (businesses, transnational companies and outsourcing processes in the global value chain) and supply (workers, employees, self-employed, with flexible contracts).
The third part is dedicated to the topic of work regulation and the reasons why sociology is involved in the study of the rules of operation of the labor market, control over work, the relationship between collective actors, public policies, all factors that interact. and shape the arena of work. Why does work need to be regulated? The answer stems from the need to correct and try to eradicate social inequalities. This is also the reason why the labor market needs additional rules over any other market.
Prerequisites for admission
Being a third year course, basic knowledge of human resources management, regulation of the labor market, welfare systems and social policies is desirable.
Teaching methods
The teaching method is based on lectures, student presentations, exercises on the use of statistical sources
All the slides and other readings will be on ARIEL platform
All the slides and other readings will be on ARIEL platform
Teaching Resources
Semenza R. (2018) Manuale di Sociologia del Lavoro, UTET Università
Semenza R., Mori A. (2020) Lavoro apolide. Freelance in cerca di riconoscimento, Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli
Semenza R., Mori A. (2020) Lavoro apolide. Freelance in cerca di riconoscimento, Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli
Assessment methods and Criteria
The check of the learning takes place: by continually interacting with the students during the lessons, recalling the salient points of the topic and soliciting relevant examples; evaluating their active participation in the discussions and the quality and accuracy of the PP presentations assigned to them. The final assessment is based on class participation and the final written exam.
SPS/09 - ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY OF WORK AND ORGANIZATIONS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Semenza Renata
Professor(s)