Globalization, Inequality and Diversity
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The course analyses the issue of social diversity and inequalities from a global perspective. It will illustrate how the main social divisions (such as gender and sexual orientation, age, race and ethnicity, class...) are (re)produced through social institutions (the educational system, the labour market, religion and the media ) that increasingly extend beyond and across the borders of the nation state. The course combines a theoretical approach to analysis of these processes with the analysis of empirical studies and academic debates that, from various angles and perspectives, illustrate the multiple research agendas that this sociological perspective can open.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will have acquired a thorough knowledge of the processes that contribute to structuring the main social divisions in contemporary societies, with particular reference to the effect of economic, political and cultural aspects of globalisation processes. They will be capable of autonomously and creatively applying the knowledge learned, becoming familiar with the main scientific journals in which articles contributing to specific academic debates of interest for the course (or for future autonomous research paths) are being published. They will become capable of better orientating themselves in international scientific production by familiarising themselves with research tools such as Google Scholar. They will have the chance to test their oral communication skills and teamwork through specific practice exercises. They will have the chance to test their ability to write a literature review.
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Teaching methods
If the circumstances related to the current health emergency will make it necessary, the lessons will be held remotely in sync through the ZOOM platform.
Programme and course materials
The programme and the course materials have not been changed.
Learning verification procedures and assessment criteria
If regulations relating to social distancing will rule out written examination tests in the classroom, oral exams will be held through the Zoom pl
If the circumstances related to the current health emergency will make it necessary, the lessons will be held remotely in sync through the ZOOM platform.
Programme and course materials
The programme and the course materials have not been changed.
Learning verification procedures and assessment criteria
If regulations relating to social distancing will rule out written examination tests in the classroom, oral exams will be held through the Zoom pl
Course syllabus
The course is structured in 3 modules.
In module 1 we will clarify the sociological meaning of diversity and social inequality, how these divisions and fractures are generated and reproduced, legitimised or contrasted through specific processes of mobility, closure, social evaluation, and political management. We will review the forms of social diversity that most frequently generate inequality (gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation) and we will show how specific social institutions (the education system, the labour market and organisations, the family, the political system, the welfare state, the media and new technologies) contribute to reproducing, modifying or governing them.
In the second module we will address, from a theoretical point of view, the implications of globalisation processes on inequality and social mobility, with particular reference to the global growth of inequalities, to the forms of transnational social mobility, to how specific institutions contribute to shape social identities across borders.
In the last module we will critically analyse some groups of readings that, taking inspiration from contemporary scientific debates, lend themselves to illustrating, through empirical research published in academic journals, the multiple research agendas that this perspective can open.
In module 1 we will clarify the sociological meaning of diversity and social inequality, how these divisions and fractures are generated and reproduced, legitimised or contrasted through specific processes of mobility, closure, social evaluation, and political management. We will review the forms of social diversity that most frequently generate inequality (gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation) and we will show how specific social institutions (the education system, the labour market and organisations, the family, the political system, the welfare state, the media and new technologies) contribute to reproducing, modifying or governing them.
In the second module we will address, from a theoretical point of view, the implications of globalisation processes on inequality and social mobility, with particular reference to the global growth of inequalities, to the forms of transnational social mobility, to how specific institutions contribute to shape social identities across borders.
In the last module we will critically analyse some groups of readings that, taking inspiration from contemporary scientific debates, lend themselves to illustrating, through empirical research published in academic journals, the multiple research agendas that this perspective can open.
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisites: Society and Social Change is preparatory to Globalisation, Diversity and Inequalities.
Many readings and course materials are in English, so good familiarity with the language is required.
Many readings and course materials are in English, so good familiarity with the language is required.
Teaching methods
The course entails lectures supported by slides as well as moments of discussion requiring the active participation of students. Participants will be required to creatively apply the notions and perspectives learned on textbooks to social phenomena described in news items, essays, and quantitative data made available by the teacher. In particular, the course aims to familiarise students with the international academic production (e.g. journal articles) and scientific debate. Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
For students attending the course
1. Zanfrini L., (2011), Sociologia delle differenze e delle disuguaglianze, Zanichelli.
2. Mandatory readings for attending students (made available by the teacher on the website ARIEL).
For students not attending the course
1. Zanfrini L., (2011), Sociologia delle differenze e delle disuguaglianze, Zanichelli.
2. Franzini M., (2013), Disuguaglianze Inaccettabili, Laterza.
3. Criado-Perez., (2019), Invisibili, Einaudi.
1. Zanfrini L., (2011), Sociologia delle differenze e delle disuguaglianze, Zanichelli.
2. Mandatory readings for attending students (made available by the teacher on the website ARIEL).
For students not attending the course
1. Zanfrini L., (2011), Sociologia delle differenze e delle disuguaglianze, Zanichelli.
2. Franzini M., (2013), Disuguaglianze Inaccettabili, Laterza.
3. Criado-Perez., (2019), Invisibili, Einaudi.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Non-attending students will be evaluated through a written exam. Attending students are allowed to take a written test with four open-ended questions plus a group oral presentation and an individual paper on module 3. The final mark is the weighted average of the three partial results (modules 1 and 2: 50%; module 3: 50%). The following aspects will be assessed: the level of knowledge of the contents illustrated in the course, the competence in the use of specialist vocabulary, the quality and clarity of the written exposure.
The autonomy of judgment is also assessed in relation to how students are able to critically analyse readings and data discussed during the course, in light of the concepts and theories reported in the textbooks. Attending students will be allowed to experience a small autonomous research path, according to methods and criteria comparable to those required by the (future) degree thesis (identification of a subject investigable in sociological perspective, finding sources on Scholar, writing a text with suitable citational criteria, etc.).
The autonomy of judgment is also assessed in relation to how students are able to critically analyse readings and data discussed during the course, in light of the concepts and theories reported in the textbooks. Attending students will be allowed to experience a small autonomous research path, according to methods and criteria comparable to those required by the (future) degree thesis (identification of a subject investigable in sociological perspective, finding sources on Scholar, writing a text with suitable citational criteria, etc.).
Professor(s)