Comparative Social Systems

The course aims at providing suitable theoretical and analytical tools for the analysis of comparative social systems according to the main scientific approaches. Particular attention will be devoted to the main authors who have systematically dealt with concepts such as structure and social system and reflected on the interactions existing among different levels (macro vs. micro). Moreover, the comparison among different social systems will also focus on new issues such as those related to the field of migration, unemployment, and cultural diversity through a wide-ranging overview on a number of systemic variables (structural, relational, discursive, etc.) which play a crucial role in influencing actors' attitudes and conducts.

At the end of the course, students should have pursued:
1. General competences
Knowledge and understanding of the main sociological approaches for the comparative study of social systems. Critical understanding of the main concepts related to the study of social systems (such as, inter alia, structure, system, order, episteme, habitus and structuration). Understanding of the effects of social systems on actors' attitudes and behaviours and of the restructuring of the system thanks to the agents themselves.
2. Specific competences
Understanding of the western model of modernization and the similarities and differences of Japan and China processes of modernization.