03495 - Economic and Working Sociology

Learning outcomes

Students should acquire capacities to interpret the current transformations of the economy, work, employment, welfare, and labor market policies from a comparative perspective.

Course contents

The course is structured into multiple components to support both conceptual understanding and practical application. One component consists of lectures designed to introduce students to key theoretical and conceptual frameworks. Another component, conducted in seminar format, is intended to deepen understanding through discussion, application, and critical engagement.

Students are expected to complete assigned readings prior to class. Active participation is especially required in seminars, where students will apply their individual study to explore thematic topics or conduct case studies in greater depth.

Topics Covered in Lectures and Seminars:

• The evolution and diversity of modern market economies and capitalist systems, including labor market transformations and regulatory frameworks. Particular attention will be given to the cultural, social, and political factors that shape these systems from a comparative perspective.

Key Concepts:

• Economic regulation: the roles of the state, the market, and the household

• Varieties of capitalism: Northern European, Continental European, Anglo-Saxon, and Mediterranean models

• Labor market dynamics:

  • transition to a service-based economy and changing employment structures

  • Female labor force participation and gender disparities

  • Career instability and the rise of precarious work

  • Migration and labor market integration

Readings/Bibliography

Burroni L. (2016), Capitalismi a confronto. Istituzioni e regolazione dell'economia nei paesi europei, Bologna, Il Mulino

Reyneri E. (2017), Introduzione alla sociologia del mercato del lavoro, Bologna, Il Mulino. Capitoli: II. La nuova partecipazione al lavoro delle donne. VI. La domanda di lavoro nella società dei servizi. - VII. Flessibilità del lavoro e occupazioni instabili. - IX. Gli immigrati in un mercato del lavoro segmentato.

Some additional readings will be suggested concerning the seminars and students' presentations.

Teaching methods

The teaching is divided into a frontal module and a seminar module. Lectures by the lecturer will be alternated with group discussions and case studies aimed at learning and deepening the topics covered during the course. The students will give presentations.

Assessment methods

The exam is conducted in written form. Two tests will be held, one in the middle of the course, the other at the end of the course.

Both tests will last 2 hours, during which no books, notes or electronic media may be used. Each test consists of 3 questions, each referring to a topic covered in class and in the reference texts.

The written tests are intended to assess the critical and methodological skills developed by the students and their capacity to deal with the texts and topics addressed during the course. The supplementary activities carried out during the course will be assessed, with particular reference to the students' presentations.

Teaching tools

Videos, essays, and articles not included in the texts, but significant for the topics covered in class.
Slides and other teaching materials will be available to the students in electronic format on the Virtuale platform. Username and password are reserved for students enrolled at the University of Bologna.

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Rizza