Sociology of Labour and Poverty

The course aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of the sociology of the labour market and poverty, offering the theoretical and conceptual tools needed to examine transformations in the labour market and the processes underlying the production and reproduction of social inequalities. The course introduces the main sociological approaches to the study of work and the labour market, analysing the mechanisms that regulate the matching of labour supply and demand, the functioning of labour market institutions, labour market segmentation, and inequalities related to gender, age, migration background, and educational attainment. Particular attention is devoted to changes in employment, labour market precariousness, forms of social exclusion, and the relationship between labour market participation and poverty. In addition, students will develop skills in the descriptive interpretation and comparative analysis of labour market and poverty indicators drawn from ISTAT and Eurostat, enhancing their ability to interpret empirical data and social phenomena through the main theoretical perspectives in the field. By the end of the course, students will have acquired an understanding of the social mechanisms shaping employment opportunities and conditions of economic vulnerability, as well as the ability to critically analyse contemporary social phenomena.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand the main concepts and theoretical approaches in the sociology of the labour market and poverty, interpreting the processes that shape the functioning of work and labour markets and the production of social inequalities (knowledge and understanding). They will be able to apply this knowledge to the analysis of empirical data and social phenomena, using the principal analytical frameworks of the discipline appropriately (applying knowledge and understanding). Students will also have developed the ability to: (i) formulate critical assessments of changes in work and of policies aimed at addressing labour market precariousness and poverty, both within and beyond the labour market (making judgements); and (ii) use appropriate disciplinary terminology and discuss key issues and debates in contemporary sociology in a clear and well-argued manner (communication skills). Finally, the course promotes the development of independent learning skills, enabling students to deepen their understanding of the topics covered and to connect them with broader areas of the social sciences (learning skills).