ECONOMIC AND LABOR SOCIOLOGY

Knowledge and understanding

Students are expected to acquire and understand the fundamental concepts of economic sociology and the sociology of work. In particular, they should become familiar with the main theoretical approaches and with the economic and social processes that have transformed work between the nineteenth and the twenty first century. Special attention will be devoted to the dynamics of industrialization, the transformation of production systems, the evolution of labour market institutions, and the development of social inequalities. Students should also be able to situate these processes within their historical and institutional contexts, identifying the key actors, institutions, and dynamics involved, and recognizing both continuities and changes in the transformations of work and the economy at the national and international level.

Applying knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course, students should be able to use the knowledge acquired to interpret and critically analyse economic and social phenomena related to work, transformations in production systems, and labour market dynamics. They should also be able to navigate different theoretical perspectives and sociological interpretations, applying these analytical tools to the study of contemporary issues such as labour precariousness, changes in employment structures, social inequalities, and the evolving relationships between economy, society, and institutions.

Making judgements

At the end of the course, students should develop the ability to carry out independent analysis and critical evaluation of the main economic and social phenomena related to work and production. In particular, they should be able to reflect on transformations in occupational structures, on changing relations between work, the economy, and institutions, and on the social implications of labour and economic policies, also through engagement with interdisciplinary perspectives.

Communication skills

By the end of the course, students should possess the skills necessary to present concepts, theories, and analytical results related to economic sociology and the sociology of work in a clear and structured way. They should be able to discuss in an informed manner issues related to transformations in work, economic development, and social inequalities.

Learning skills

At the end of the course, students should develop the skills needed to pursue further learning independently in the field of economic sociology and the sociology of work. In particular, they should be able to identify and analyse sources, data, and scientific literature, and to independently deepen their knowledge of topics related to economic transformations, labour markets, and the dynamics of social inequalities.

Part 1 – The regulation of the economy between state and market
1.1 Explaining economic phenomena between Economics and Sociology
1.2 The regulation of economic processes in the historical evolution of capitalism
1.3 Production systems and the Welfare State in the transition from Fordism to post Fordism
1.4 European welfare regimes in a comparative perspective
Part 2 – Comparative analysis of national systems of employment and unemployment in Europe
2.1 The sociological analysis of the labour market: concepts, methods, and statistical indicators
2.2 The differentiation of firm strategies and national models of labour flexibility
2.3 Tertiarization and employment
2.4 The new participation of women in the labour market
2.5 Immigrants in a segmented labour market
2.6 Unemployment in Europe

1. Trigilia C., Sociologia economica II. Temi e percorsi contemporanei, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2009, pp. 11-35; pp. 119-130; pp. 181-202; pp. 210-221; pp. 228-231; pp. 241-247.

2. Ferrera M., Le politiche sociali, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2012, pp. 11-54.

3. Reyneri E., Introduzione alla sociologia del mercato del lavoro, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2017, pp. 15-34; pp. 35-66, pp. 67-100;pp. 129-148; pp. 149-181; pp. 183-224; pp. 251-280.

1. Economic and sociological paradigms in the analysis of economic phenomena
   Explain the main differences between the economic and the sociological approaches to the study of economic processes. Discuss the role of institutions, social norms, and social relations in shaping economic behaviour.

2. The regulation of economic processes between state and market
   Describe the main forms of economic regulation in contemporary societies, with particular reference to the role of the state, the market, and collective actors.

3. Fordism and post Fordism
   Describe the main characteristics of the Fordist model of production and explain the transformations that led to the transition to post Fordism.

4. Welfare regimes in Europe
   Present the main types of welfare state in Europe and discuss the differences among welfare regimes in relation to social policies and labour market organization.

5. Labour market segmentation
   Explain the concept of segmented labour markets and discuss the main factors that contribute to the creation of different segments of employment.

6. Labour flexibility and firm strategies
   Analyse different forms of labour flexibility and their relationship with firms’ strategies and national models of labour market regulation.

7. Women’s participation in the labour market
   Discuss the main transformations in women’s participation in the labour market and their social and economic implications.

8. Immigration and the labour market
   Analyse the role of migrant workers in European labour markets and discuss their position within different employment segments.

9. Unemployment in Europe
   Illustrate the main characteristics of unemployment in Europe and discuss the factors that explain cross national differences.