Economic sociology
Academic Year 2022/2023 - Teacher:
DAVIDE LUCA ARCIDIACONO
Expected Learning Outcomes
Understanding of the peculiarity of the sociological approach and in the analysis of economic phenomena
Knowledge and understanding of the relevance of non-economic factors in the analysis of the development and economy of a given territory
Acquisition of the main concepts and scientific language of the discipline
Ability to use analytical categories for the interpretation of reality
Development of critical and analytical skills
Ability to develop a greater understanding of contemporary economic phenomena
Course Structure
- lectures
- discussion and debate on research and case studies on the main topics of economic sociology.
- short individual or group exercises.
No particular prerequisites are required. However, previous knowledge on and general concepts of economics and sociology can be useful background for understanding the topics covered in the classroom and included in the teaching program.
Required Prerequisites
No particular prerequisites are required. However, previous knowledge on and general concepts of economics and sociology can be useful background for understanding the topics covered in the classroom and included in the teaching program
Attendance of Lessons
Attendance at the lessons is not compulsory but highly desirable. Discussions of examples and case studies, as well as the exercises in which the attending students are involved, can be considered an effective aid to understanding the topics included in the program
Detailed Course Content
The course contents are divided into 3 parts: -
PART 1-MODULES 1-3: GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY. In this part of the course, the introductory principles that distinguish the sociological approach in the analysis of economic phenomena will be addressed. The main concepts and tools of economic sociology will also be treated through the contributions of "classical" scholars, such as Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, Polanyi, Bourdieu, Granovetter, Powell and Di Maggio, Boltanski. The examination of these important contributions that represent the foundations of the discipline will provide a substantial basis for understanding the second part of the course.
PART 2 - MODULES 4-6: THE THEMES OF CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY. In the second part of the course, the main topics of reflection in contemporary economic sociology will be examined through the discussion and analysis of the main Italian and international research contributions. This part represents an essential piece for understanding the contemporaneity of the socio-economic debate in relation to issues of great public importance such as the relationship between formal and informal, illegal markets, financialization, global value chains, north-south dualism, social stratification, and the welfare state.
- PART 3 - MODULES 7-9: THE PHENOMENON OF CONSUMPTION IN ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY. The last part of the course will have a monographic nature and will be based on the specific examination of a text and the research analyzed in it, focused on the processes of transformation of consumption in contemporary societies. In particular, we will focus on the themes of critical consumption, co-production, and consumerism.
Textbook Information
PART 1: Barbera F., Pais I. (a cura di), FONDAMENTI DI SOCIOLOGIA ECONOMICA, Egea editore, Milano: pp. XVII-XII, pp. 3-30, pp. 43-55, pp.71-100, pp. 115-160
PART 2: Barbera F., Pais I. (a cura di), FONDAMENTI DI SOCIOLOGIA ECONOMICA, Egea editore, Milano: pp.201-226, pp. 261-332, pp. 353-368, pp. 383-411
PART 3: Arcidiacono D., CONSUMATORI ATTIVI. SCELTE D'ACQUISTO E PARTECIPAZIONE PER UNA NUOVA ETICA ECONOMICA, Franco Angeli, Milano
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The assessment will be carried out during the lessons through debates and discussions in the classroom, but also individual and group exercises.
The final assessment will take place with both an oral and written exam.
There will be a written test on PART 1 and 2 of the course.
An oral exam on PART 3 of the course will conclude the exam.
Attending students with at least 2/3 attendance will be able to access an intermediate test on PART 1 of the course
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
What is the peculiarity of the economic sociology approach to the study of economics?
What are the different forms of social roots of a phenomenon?
What is the difference between mechanical and organic solidarity?
What are the religious determinants of modern capitalism?
What are the forms of regulation of the economy according to Polanyi?
What is capital and habitus for Bourdieu?
What role do social networks play in economic phenomena, according to Granovetter?
What is the social function of money according to Simmel?
What is the convention economy approach?
What are the three forms of organizational isomorphism?
What structural relationship exists between formal economy and informal economy?
What are the distinctive features of the criminal economy?
What are the internal areas?
What are the characteristics of the Global City?
What is a global value chain?
What are the determinants of the welfare mix?
What is the role of education in social mobility processes?
What are the transformation trajectories of welfare?
VERSIONE IN ITALIANO