ECONOMIC AND LABOR SOCIOLOGY

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: FRANCESCA TOMATIS

Expected Learning Outcomes

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.

Course Structure

The course is structured around a combination of lectures and interactive activities. Lectures will focus on the presentation of the main theoretical approaches and key concepts in economic sociology and the sociology of work, with particular attention to the regulation of economic processes, transformations in production systems, and labour market dynamics.

Alongside lecture-based teaching, interactive activities will be used to foster active student participation. These may include guided discussions on specific topics, analysis of case studies, reading and discussion of empirical materials, and the use of statistical indicators related to labour markets and welfare systems.

These different teaching methods are integrated in order to support the achievement of the intended learning outcomes. In particular, lectures are aimed at providing foundational knowledge, while interactive activities are designed to develop critical analytical skills and the ability to apply knowledge to empirical contexts and contemporary issues.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in general sociology

Attendance of Lessons

Details regarding attendance will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Only attending students will be allowed to take the intermediate tests and assessments.

Attendance is not mandatory; however, active participation in classes is strongly recommended, as it fosters a deeper understanding of the course content and contributes to the development of critical analysis and the ability to apply knowledge, which are essential for achieving the learning objectives of the course.

Detailed Course Content

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

Textbook Information

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.

Course Planning

	Subjects	Text References
1	The regulation of the economy between the State and the market	1,2
2	Comparative analysis of national systems of employment and unemployment in Europe	3

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

For attending students:
The assessment methods will be explained on the first day of class.

For non attending students:
Learning outcomes are assessed through a written examination consisting of four open-ended questions. The questions are designed to evaluate students’ knowledge of the course content, their ability to understand and connect the different topics covered, as well as their capacity to correctly use the concepts and the disciplinary language. The final grade will take into account the level of knowledge acquired, the ability to analyse economic and social phenomena, autonomy of judgement, argumentative skills, clarity of exposition, and the appropriate use of sociological and economic terminology.

Final grades will be based on the level of knowledge and understanding acquired, the ability to apply such knowledge, the degree of autonomy in judgement, communication skills, and learning abilities. More specifically, grades will be awarded according to the following criteria:

Failed examination: the student does not demonstrate the minimum level of knowledge required on the core contents of the course. Understanding of the topics is insufficient, the ability to use specialized terminology is very limited or absent, and there is no adequate capacity to apply the knowledge acquired independently or to provide coherent and well-argued answers.

18–20
Limited and partially inaccurate knowledge of the topics, with technical misunderstandings. Weak ability to apply knowledge. No effective use of technical and specialized language. Inability to relate knowledge to current issues and weak argumentative skills.

21–23
Basic and generally correct knowledge of the main topics, though with some technical inaccuracies. Limited ability to apply knowledge. Minimal use of technical and specialized language. Ability to provide relevant examples, but difficulty in applying knowledge to new or contemporary problems. Weak argumentative skills.

24–26
Sound and technically accurate knowledge of the topics. Good ability to apply acquired competences. Appropriate use of technical and specialized language. Ability to provide relevant examples and to apply knowledge to new and contemporary problems. Argumentation remains limited.

27–29
Advanced knowledge of the topics and solid ability to apply competences at a technical level. Confident use of specialized language, including in the analysis of current issues. Autonomy in logical reasoning and in the use of analytical tools and methods, including the ability to develop coherent research projects. Good evaluative capacity with respect to issues relevant to the field.

30–30 cum laude
Excellent and comprehensive knowledge of the topics, with a high level of technical competence. Full mastery of specialized language, applied effectively to contemporary issues. Strong autonomy in logical reasoning and in the use of analytical tools and methods, including the ability to design coherent research projects. Highly developed evaluative capacity, including awareness of the broader social and political implications. Ability to engage in informed discussion also with subject specialists.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Labour flexibility and firm strategies
Analyse different forms of labour flexibility and their relationship with firms’ strategies and national models of labour market regulation.
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.
Immigration and the labour market
Analyse the role of migrant workers in European labour markets and discuss their position within different employment segments.
Unemployment in Europe
Illustrate the main characteristics of unemployment in Europe and discuss the factors that explain cross national differences.

Degree Course in

Sociology and Social Work