B8978 - SISTEMI DI WELFARE E POVERTA'

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows the concepts of poverty and in-work poverty and the main indicators to measure these phenomena; the student knows the labor law instruments, as well as social security and social security ones, useful for combating poverty and vulnerability, in order to understand the content and meaning of the constitutional welfare state model.

Course contents

The course will explore the Italian welfare system, as well as the policies and the institutions aimed at fighting poverty and in-work poverty from a legal perspective, having in mind the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in addressing these issues. The lessons will address the concepts of welfare and poverty; then, the course will focus on to the study of labour, social security, and welfare measures and policies that can help yo prevent and combat poverty.

Specifically, the following topics will be addressed:

• The concept, dimensions, and measurement of poverty and in-work poverty.
• The concept and models of welfare. The Italian welfare state: the historical evolution of welfare and the constitutional provisions of the welfare state. The sources, actors, structure, and financing methods of social security; the protected interest and the purpose of social security protection; the contributory relationship.
• Public policies against poverty and social exclusion: unemployment insurance; the inclusion allowance; healthcare policies; housing and family policies.
• Measures to combat in-work poverty: minimum wage; job stability and continuity; in-work benefits.

Readings/Bibliography

For attending students, the textbooks will be indicated and provided during class.

 

For non-attending students:

1. E. Ales, G. Canavesi, D. Casale, R. Casillo, M. Esposito, G. Ludovico, R. Vianello, Legal Profiles of Social Security, Giappichelli, 2024, only I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, and IX.

or

M. Persiani, M. Martone, Social Security Law, Giappichelli, 2024, only chapters I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X.

 

1. In addition, students are required to study one of the following books:

C. Ranci, E. Pavolini, Welfare Policies. Second Edition, Il Mulino, 2024, focusing particularly on chapters IV, V, VI, and VII.

or

E. Morlicchio, Sociology of Poverty, Il Mulino, 2020, focusing particularly on II, VI, and VIII.

or

C. Saraceno, D. Benassi, and Morlicchio, Poverty in Italy: Subjects, Mechanisms, and Policies, Il Mulino, 2022, focusing particularly on chapters I, V, and VI, and conclusions.

Teaching methods

Teaching will consist of lectures presenting the topics of the course and discussion sessions, based on readings and activities to involve the students in the discussion.

Assessment methods

Classes will be held during the second semester; therefore, exams will be in May.

For attending students who attend classes, the exam will consist in the writing, in the presentation, and in the discussion of a paper on a topic agreed upon with the professor, among those addressed in the course.

For non-attending students, the exam will involve an interview with the professor covering the topics outlined in the previous sections (see “Contents" and "Readings/Bibliography"). During the exam, knowledge of institutional profiles will be assessed to determine whether learning objectives have been achieved. Also the ability to make connections and to develop critical arguments, as well as clarity of presentation will be assessed.

The evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

- Lack of knowledge of basic topics necessary for understanding the subject matter and inability to analyze them, even with the instructor's support → insufficient.

- Knowledge of basic topics covered in the course, exhibiting analytical skills with the instructor's assistance, using generally correct language → 18-19.

- Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course, with independent analysis skills applicable only to straightforward questions, using correct language → 20-24.

- Knowledge of a large number of topics covered in the course, with the ability to make critical analysis choices and to use specific terminology effectively → 25-29.

- Comprehensive knowledge of the topics covered in the course, with the ability to make independent critical analysis and connection choices, mastery of specific terminology, and strong skills in argumentation and self-reflection → 30-30L.

 

Teaching tools

For supporting teaching activities, particularly for sharing materials used during lessons, University's platform "Virtuale" will be used.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the office responsible ( https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Marchi