Globalization and Social Divisions

The course analyzes the issues of social diversity and inequality from a global perspective. It will illustrate how the main social divisions (such as gender and sexual orientation, age, race and ethnicity, and class) are (re)produced through social institutions (the educational system, the labor market, religion, and the media) that increasingly extend beyond and across the borders of the nation-state. The course combines a theoretical approach to the analysis of these processes with an examination of empirical studies and academic debates that, from various angles and perspectives, illustrate the multiple research agendas that this sociological perspective can open.

At the end of the course, students will have acquired a thorough understanding of the processes that contribute to structuring the main social divisions in contemporary societies, with particular emphasis on the effects of economic, political, and cultural aspects of globalization. They will be capable of autonomously and creatively applying the knowledge gained, becoming familiar with the main scientific journals where articles contributing to specific academic debates relevant to the course (or future independent research) are published. They will improve their ability to navigate international scientific production by familiarizing themselves with research tools such as Google Scholar. Additionally, they will have opportunities to test their oral communication skills and teamwork through specific practice exercises, as well as their ability to write a literature review.