57850 - Sociology of Migrations

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is able to understand and contextualize contemporary migration processes, concerning general tendencies, causes stimulating migration, nexus between migration and labour market, urban transformations. By focussing on topics such as migratory networks, gender, families, second generations, refugees and asylum seekers, the student is able to understand main aspects of policies regulating migrations and integration.

Course contents

The course aims to provide the main conceptual and analytical tools for a sociological analysis of migrations, presenting the most accredited interpretation models, the most recent trends and the social impact of this phenomenon in the Mediterranean area.

The course is organized in two modules. The first one will introduce the contemporary debates on international migrations and the interpretation models of this phenomenon hinging on interdisciplinary theoretical contributions in the field of Migration Studies.

The second module, hinging of the selected handbooks and on empirical researches on contemporary migration process, will focus on several axes, and in particular:

• Migration policies in Italy and Europe since the Second World War to nowadays
• Migrant inclusion in the labour market (with a focus on migrant labour in agriculture, construction industry and domestic sector)
• Urban transformation connected with migration processes

Readings/Bibliography

The following texts will be discussed during the course and during the exam:

Compulsory books:

1. M. Ambrosini, Sociologia delle migrazioni, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2020

2. M. Colucci, Storia dell'immigrazione straniera in Italia, Carocci, Roma, 2018

3. One of the following books:

- A. Sayad, Una Nanterre algerina, terra di bidonville, Edizioni ETS, Pisa, 2019  

- Perrotta D., Vite in cantiere. Migrazione e lavoro dei rumeni in Italia, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2011

- Vianello F.A., Migrando sole, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2009

- Sanò G., Fabbriche di plastica. Il lavoro nell'agricoltura industriale, Ombre Corte, Verona, 2018

- Redini V., Vianello F.A., Zaccagnini F., Il lavoro che usura. Migrazioni femminili e salute occupazionale, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2020.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars

Assessment methods

Exams are pursued to check the achievement of the following learning objectives:
1. Being able to recognize the essential features of this discipline.
2. Knowing the sociological debate about migrations.
3. Knowing how to identify and analyze the main characteristics of contemporary migrations.
4. Knowing how to use the most important concepts of this discipline.
The final grade will be based on an oral exam about topics related to the main objectives of the course. We will assess positively students who are able to move within the bibliography indicated in the syllabus, who have an organic vision of the issues, and a proficient skill in oral expression.

Teaching tools

Slide, videos, external guests.

Office hours

See the website of Maurizio Bergamaschi

See the website of Valeria Piro