Economic sociology

The course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the sociological analysis of economic phenomena by presenting the contributions of both classical sociology (Durkheim, Weber, Simmel, etc.) and the "new economic sociology" (Granovetter, Powell, DiMaggio, etc.). Consequently, by the end of the course, students will be able to understand and analyze social phenomena by considering the relevance of the social dimension, the interdependence involved, and the various forms of social embeddedness of economic action (cognitive, cultural, structural, and political).

Based on the Dublin Descriptors, students are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes by the end of the course:

1.  Knowledge and understanding: Understanding the distinctive nature of the sociological approach to analyzing economic phenomena.

2.  Applying knowledge and understanding: Knowledge and understanding of the relevance of non-economic factors in analyzing the development and economy of a specific territory. Ability to use analytical categories to interpret and analyze economic phenomena from a sociological perspective.

3.  Making judgments: Identifying and using the concepts and analytical techniques best suited to understanding and contextualizing social phenomena. Developing critical and analytical skills regarding key economic phenomena at the heart of contemporary debate (informal and criminal economies, North-South development, marginal and inland areas, global value chains, development and urbanization, inequalities and welfare, consumption).

4.  Communication skills: Acquiring the discipline's key concepts and scientific terminology. Ability to draft reports and accounts using professional and scientifically rigorous methodologies.

5.  Learning skills: Ability to conduct focused sociological reflections and analyses of economic behaviors and phenomena. Ability to make informed, independent choices regarding further study or specific career paths. Ability to independently update one's knowledge regarding sociological analysis, social work, and professional intervention tools. Ability to carry out independent projects with adequate access to primary and secondary sources.

The course content is organized into three parts:

- PART 1 – MODULES 1–3: GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY. This part of the course addresses the introductory principles that distinguish the sociological approach to analyzing economic phenomena. It also covers key concepts and tools in economic sociology, drawing on the contributions of "classic" scholars such as Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, Polanyi, Bourdieu, Granovetter, Powell & DiMaggio, and Boltanski. An examination of these significant contributions—which form the discipline's foundations—will provide the essential basis for understanding the second part of the course.

- PART 2 – MODULES 4–6: THEMES IN CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY. The second part of the course examines key themes in contemporary economic sociology through a discussion and analysis of major Italian and international research contributions. This section is crucial for understanding current socio-economic debates regarding topics of great public importance, such as the formal-informal divide, illegal markets, financialization, global value chains, the North-South divide, social stratification, and the welfare state.

- PART 3 – MODULES 7–9: THE PHENOMENON OF CONSUMPTION IN ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY. The final part of the course takes a monographic approach, centering on a detailed examination of a specific text and the research discussed within it, focusing on the transformation of consumption patterns in contemporary societies. In particular, the course will focus on themes such as ethical consumption, co-production, and consumerism.

PARTE 1: Barbera F., Pais I. (a cura di) (2017), FONDAMENTI DI SOCIOLOGIA ECONOMICA, Egea editore, Milano: pp. XVII-XII, pp. 3-30, pp. 43-55, pp.71-100, pp. 115-160

PARTE 2: Barbera F., Pais I. (a cura di) (2017), FONDAMENTI DI SOCIOLOGIA ECONOMICA, Egea editore, Milano: pp.201-226, pp. 261-332, pp. 353-368, pp. 383-411

PARTE 3: Arcidiacono D. (2013), CONSUMATORI ATTIVI. SCELTE D'ACQUISTO E PARTECIPAZIONE PER UNA NUOVA ETICA ECONOMICA, Franco Angeli, Milano

Learning assessment will take place during lessons through classroom debates and discussions, as well as individual and group exercises. The final assessment will consist of both an oral and a written exam. There will be a written test covering Parts 1 and 2 of the course. The exam will conclude with an oral test covering Part 3 of the course. Students who attend at least two-thirds of the classes will be eligible to take a midterm test covering Parts 1 and 2. For Part 3, students will be required to write an essay of their choice, applying—in an analytical and critical manner—the concepts learned in Parts 1 and 2 and during the readings assigned for Part 3.

Non-attending students must cover the full syllabus for the final exam. The oral interview will focus on Part 3 and include at least two questions; students must demonstrate adequate understanding, mastery of the topics discussed, and clarity of expression.

To ensure equal opportunities and compliance with current regulations, interested students may request a personal meeting to arrange any compensatory measures and/or dispensations, based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact the designated CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) representative for their department.

Grading will be based on the following criteria:

Exam not passed: The student lacks the minimum required knowledge of the course's core content. Ability to use specialized terminology is very poor or non-existent, and the student is unable to independently apply the knowledge acquired.

Grade 18–20: Gaps or inaccuracies in knowledge of the tools/concepts. Limited command of disciplinary terminology. Difficulty in applying theories/concepts and tools

Score 21–23: Basic, accurate knowledge of key theoretical and methodological approaches. Elementary use of specialized terminology. Limited ability to link theories/concepts with tools.

Score 24–26: Good knowledge of tools and theories. Correct use of specialized terminology. Fair ability to interpret and discuss issues and tools.

Score 27–29: Advanced, confident knowledge of theories and tools. Mastery of disciplinary terminology. Ability to critically analyze phenomena and theoretical applications, evaluating the social, cultural, and political implications of the phenomenon under analysis. Moderate ability to engage with diverse approaches and sustain a discussion with field specialists.

Score 30–30 cum laude: In-depth knowledge of the discipline, with full mastery of specialized terminology. Ability to reinterpret phenomena and methodological choices in an autonomous and original way; excellent ability to engage with diverse approaches and sustain a high-level critical discussion with field specialists.

What is the distinctive feature of the economic sociology approach to the study of the economy?

• What are the different forms of the social embeddedness 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 economic regulation according to Polanyi?

• What do "capital" and "habitus" mean 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 does the "economics of convention" approach entail?

• What are the three forms of organizational isomorphism?

• What structural relationship exists between the formal and informal economies?

• What are the distinctive characteristics of the criminal economy?

• What are "inner areas" (marginal/remote territories)?

• What are the characteristics of the Global City?

• What is a global value chain?

• What are the determinants of the welfare mix?

• What role does education play in processes of social mobility?

• What are the trajectories of welfare transformation?

• What are the main approaches to the sociological analysis of consumption?

• What is consumerism, and what are its main strategies of action?

• How do corporate strategies change in the face of emerging forms of critical and participatory consumption