85361 - Sociology of Wellness

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the organizational dynamics of complex social systems; the socio-cultural and communication processes that characterize the culture of wellness, sports tourism, leisure time; the cultural and socialization processes in the areas of welfare, health, self-care.

Course contents

 The course aims to illustrate the wellness dimension as a cultural transformation that today involves health, sport and society. The concept of wellness will be analyzed in a multidimensional and relational perspective, in order to enhance its subjective, collective and environmental and consumer aspects.
To achieve these objectives, the course will be divided into 3 parts, the following:

1) In the Institutional part, the Course will illustrate the main socio-cultural processes that characterize the evolution of the concept of well-being and "sports culture" that emerge from the transformation of contemporary movement practices (in particular those activities aimed at good health (wellness).

This path will be addressed both at a theoretical level and empirical research conducted in a national and international countries. The main purpose is to focus both the strategic policies that invite the population to adopt healthy and active lifestyles; and the circuit of production and consumption of wellness which involves a thriving international market (sport, health, beauty, tourism, etc.).

2) In the monographic part, the course will focus on the cultural and communicative processes that today involve health-oriented sports practices. In this perspective, the consumption processes in which sport and physical activity express new forms of citizenship, empowerment and social innovation with a view to improving the quality of life, will be analyzed.
Furthermore, particular attention will be given to the social dimension of the use of smart technologies in new fitness and wellness practices (in terms of opportunities and risks related to them). 

3) In the seminar part, expert lectures on specific issues related to "wellness culture" will be held. 

Readings/Bibliography

A book and 2 articles are required:

1. Russo G. (ed), Charting the Wellness Society in Europe. Social Transformations in Sport, Health and Consumption, FrancoAngeli, Milan, 2018 (only chapters 1-4)[available e-book version]
2. For whom who isn't able to read french, chap 3 can be substitute with another chap. (english), uploaded on IOL
   in addition to the book, the study of 3 articles (brief) among those distributed by the teacher during the lessons will be required.

Teaching methods

Face-to-face and video lessons, and case studies

Assessment methods

The student will acquire the 6 credits through:

a) Active participation in the course;

b) group work on the monographic theme and presentation (evaluation up to 5 points);

c) final written test (6 open questions on exam readings)

the final mark will include the evaluation of points b) and c)

2 important info.s about your examination:

1.  In order to be registered to the roll-call: You had to insert your name in the electronic list for the exam within the 5th day before the fixed date (you can have access to the e-list in the AlmaEsami website, at the url: https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm ).
2. Erasmus students may request an earlier review by the day of their departure.

Teaching tools

PP presentation, movie, surfing Internet, digital library

Office hours

See the website of Giovanna Russo