03495 - Economic and Labor Sociology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: knows some of the main issues concerning the quality and functioning of economic life from a sociological and interdisciplinary analysis perspective; possesses an overall cognitive framework of the dynamic relationship between economy and society; knows how to use some of the concepts and analysis tools that economic sociology has identified over time to explain productive actions and practices, emphasising from time to time the centrality of social relations, social institutions and their respective roles and reciprocal influences. At the end of the course, the student also: possesses an overall cognitive framework of the development of industrial and labour sociology; knows the themes of the transformation of work and the social meanings linked to it; knows the fundamental theoretical concepts on the themes addressed in classical and contemporary labour theories; knows and is able to recognise the different interpretative perspectives used in the analysis of today's emerging socio-labour issues (first and foremost: precariousness and flexibility, crisis of salaried labour, emergence of knowledge as a fundamental productive resource, progressive digitalisation of work processes).

Course contents

Thematic block 1

What is economic sociology and what is the relationship between economics and sociology?

Thematic block 2

The main socioeconomic actors and the regulation of contemporary capitalism.

Capitalism and models of (welfare) capitalism.

 

Thematic block 3

The labor market.

The relationship between the labor market and society.

Employment, unemployment, and activity. Definition and calculation of rates.

Unemployment models in Europe: the Italian case.

 

Thematic block 4

Transformations of work, processes of impoverishment, and new forms of precarity.

Poverty, work, and precarity.

Inequalities in the labor market.

The situation of young people, women, and migrants in the labor market and in different areas of life.

 

Thematic block 5

Policies.

Governing precarity and inequality: between limitations and opportunities.

Labor policies.

 

Thematic Block 6

Work and trade unionism.

 

Thematic Block 7

Transformations of work and social transformations.

Old and new jobs amid technological, value-related, and societal changes.

The boundaries between work and personal life. The issue of work-life balance.

Work and environmental issues.

 

Thematic Block 8

Possible thematic insights.

Possible examples:

Work and the platform economy.

Working poor in Italy and worldwide.

Prostitution and its new forms: work or marginalization?

This session will include several guest speakers.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Berti F., Valzania A. (2020). Precarizzazione delle sfere di vita e disuguaglianze. Milano: FrancoAngeli. Mandatory chapters: I (Berti e Valzania), III (Migliavacca), VIII (Martelli).

Burroni L. (2016). Capitalismi a confronto. Istituzioni e regolazioni dell'economia nei paesi europei. Bologna: Il Mulino. Mandatory chapters: introduzione, IV.

Cavalca G., Mingione E., Pugliese E. (2024). Il lavoro. Dalla rivoluzione industriale alla transizione digitale. Roma: Carocci editore (terza edizione). Mandatory chapters: V, VI, VII. Optional (recommended) chapters: II, III.

Orientale Caputo G. (2021). Analisi sociale del mercato del lavoro. Bologna: Il Mulino. Mandatory chapters: VIII, X.

Reyneri E. (2021). Introduzione alla sociologia del mercato del lavoro. Bologna: Il Mulino. Mandatory chapter: I.

Trigilia C. (2009). Sociologia economica 2. Temi e percorsi contemporanei. Bologna: Il Mulino. Mandatory chapters: I, III, IV.

 

 

These bibliographic references may be supplemented with additional texts and/or scientific articles.

Teaching methods

The lessons in this course are organized according to thematic blocks. However, please note that some topics—as well as their order—may be modified by the instructor in order to best adapt the course to the profile of the class and its pedagogical needs.

Although the lessons follow a traditional format, student participation remains essential. Students are encouraged to ask questions, as well as contribute relevant examples and comments that can support both individual and collective learning.

Discussions and exchanges must always take place with the utmost respect for everyone involved (students, instructor, and guest speakers).

Assessment methods

ASSESSMENT FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS:

1. MIDTERM EXAM
   WRITTEN TEST: one open-ended question (short answer within a defined space of approximately ten lines) and a series of closed-ended questions (10–15). The questions will cover the theories, concepts, and definitions presented in class and/or in the required readings (content covered up to that point).
   This exam accounts for 50% of the final grade.
   DATE TO BE DETERMINED.
   
   
2. FINAL EXAM
   WRITTEN TEST: one open-ended question (short answer within a defined space of approximately ten lines) and a series of closed-ended questions (5–10). The questions will cover the theories, concepts, and definitions presented in class and/or in the required readings (full course content). This exam accounts for 50% of the final grade.
   DATE TO BE DETERMINED.

 

ASSESSMENT FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:

WRITTEN TEST: two open-ended questions (short answers within a defined space of approximately ten lines each) and a series of closed-ended questions. The questions will cover the theories, concepts, and definitions included in the official course syllabus.


Notice for students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities: Students are strongly encouraged to contact the University Office in charge (Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD) well in advance. The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations, which must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will evaluate the appropriateness of such accommodations in light of the course’s learning objectives.

Teaching tools

A guided visit to one or more local companies will be organized in order to observe the realities of production and work in specific sectors (industry, agriculture, services).

Additional insights may be provided through audiovisual materials presented during the course and included in the PowerPoint slides.

Required and optional bibliography.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Alberio