73322 - SOCIOLOGIA DEL WELFARE E DELLE POLITICHE SOCIALI

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - knows the various causes and forms of social distress and the complexity of the variables that determine it; - knows the institutions and public and private actors that intervene on the phenomenon in question and the methods of intervention; - knows the conceptual and analytical tools for the study of the Welfare State, knows its evolution, consolidation, and crisis; - knows the types of Welfare State: the Welfare models and regimes, the differences that characterize the various Welfare and the impact on the quality of life of citizens; - knows the external and internal constraints and challenges of the Welfare system and social policy interventions; - can plan social and educational interventions, in collaboration with the various professional figures and services present in the territory; - can engage at the local level in the planning of services.

Course contents

The course consists of two integrated modules: the first (36 hours) taught by Prof. Valeria Quaglia and the second (12 hours) taught by Prof. Rossella Ghigi.


The course covers the following topics:

- theories of welfare;
- the welfare model during the Golden Age;
- contemporary trajectories of welfare change;
- new social risks;
- selected areas of welfare intervention, including poverty reduction, housing policies, work–family reconciliation, long-term care, the prevention of and response to gender-based violence, and the social inclusion of migrants.


These topics will be explored by integrating theoretical and applied perspectives through the analysis of case studies. This approach will enable students to engage with real-world situations, discuss possible responses to social needs, and develop a critical understanding of how welfare systems operate.

Readings/Bibliography

Required readings:

 

- Lecture slides available on the University's Virtuale learning platform;
- Ranci, C., & Pavolini, E. (2024). Le politiche di welfare (2nd ed.). Bologna: il Mulino. The examination covers the entire volume, with the exception of Chapters 6 and 10;
- Ghigi, R. (2025). Niente scuse. La violenza di genere riguarda anche te (pp. 1–230). Bologna: il Mulino.

Teaching methods

Teaching activities include lectures, seminars, classroom discussions, and practical exercises. All teaching materials (lecture slides, supplementary readings, and other resources) will be made available to students through the University's Virtuale learning platform.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of a single written examination covering both modules. The examination lasts one hour and comprises three open-ended questions. Its purpose is to assess both students' knowledge of the course contents and their ability to apply this knowledge critically.


Students will be assessed according to the following criteria:


- relevance and completeness of the answers provided;
- detailed knowledge of the course contents and understanding of the required readings;
- appropriate use of sociological concepts and terminology;
- logical organisation and coherence of the answers;
- critical reflection and independent elaboration of the topics covered in the course.


Students are required to register through the AlmaEsami platform before taking the exam: https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm. Registration closes one week before the examination date.


Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the University's Disability and Specific Learning Disorders Office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). The Office will propose any necessary accommodations, which must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination. Approval will be granted where the requested accommodations are consistent with the learning objectives of the course.


Upon request, Erasmus and other international students may take the examination orally instead of in written form.


The use of artificial intelligence (AI) during the assessment is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, audiovisual materials, plenary discussions, and the University's Virtuale learning platform.

Office hours

See the website of Valeria Quaglia

See the website of Rossella Ghigi