Sociology of Gender Equality and Work-Life Balance Policies

In line with the general objectives of the Degree in Labour and management, the course aims at providing students with the basic conceptual knowledge and analytical tools to understand key issues pertaining to the sociological and political debate about gender, equal opportunities and conciliation policies. The course consists of two integrated units: the first unit deals, from a sociological viewpoint, with topics related to gender differences, inequality and equal opportunities; the second unit addresses, from a comparative perspective, cross-country and cross-temporal variations of welfare regimes and family policy in relation to their gender and generational implications.

Knowledge and understanding: students are expected to acquire a basic knowledge and critical understanding of the functioning of contemporary western societies form a gender perspective.
Applying knowledge and understanding and Making judgements: through the review of selected case studies, students will develop the ability to apply their knowledge and understanding to address contemporary empirical issues relating to gender inequality and institutional developments in the fields of welfare and family policy, dealing with competing claims and arguments.
Communication skills: the course will strengthen students' ability to organize and communicate what they have learned through the organization of small-group activities and class discussions.