Labour market and inequalities
A.A. 2025/2026
Obiettivi formativi
The objective of this course is to equip students with an understanding of the challenges encountered in contemporary labour markets within developed societies. Additionally, the course seeks to delve into and debate the primary sources of inequalities experienced by individuals in the labour market, influenced by factors such as social background, gender, and migratory status. While focusing primarily on describing the characteristics of the Italian labour market and the associated inequalities, the course frequently draws comparisons with other countries.
Risultati apprendimento attesi
Students will acquire key tools to examine the dynamics of labour markets and the challenges related to inequality. They will also develop the ability to interpret and engage in critical discussions of findings concerning labour market dynamics and inequalities, as presented in both public discourse and academic literature.
Specifically, by the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Knowledge and understanding
- Describe the main concepts used in the sociological analysis of labour markets and social inequalities in developed countries.
- Identify and explain key indicators used to measure labour market structures, transformations over time, and patterns of inequality.
- Discuss major theoretical approaches and empirical findings related to inequalities based on gender, migratory status, and social background.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
- Apply theoretical frameworks to interpret data and empirical research on labour markets and inequalities.
- Analyze the transformation of the Italian labour market and compare it with developments in other national contexts.
3. Making judgements
- Critically evaluate empirical findings on labour markets and inequality presented in the academic literature.
- Assess claims and narratives related to labour and inequality in political and media discourse.
- Formulate well-reasoned arguments on key issues and developments concerning labour market dynamics and social inequality.
4. Communication skills
- Summarize and present empirical research findings on labour markets and inequalities in a clear, structured, and coherent manner.
- Engage effectively in classroom discussions, expressing ideas clearly and contributing constructively to collective debate.
- Deliver individual or group presentations, demonstrating the ability to communicate key argu-ments and reasoning clearly and persuasively.
Specifically, by the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Knowledge and understanding
- Describe the main concepts used in the sociological analysis of labour markets and social inequalities in developed countries.
- Identify and explain key indicators used to measure labour market structures, transformations over time, and patterns of inequality.
- Discuss major theoretical approaches and empirical findings related to inequalities based on gender, migratory status, and social background.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
- Apply theoretical frameworks to interpret data and empirical research on labour markets and inequalities.
- Analyze the transformation of the Italian labour market and compare it with developments in other national contexts.
3. Making judgements
- Critically evaluate empirical findings on labour markets and inequality presented in the academic literature.
- Assess claims and narratives related to labour and inequality in political and media discourse.
- Formulate well-reasoned arguments on key issues and developments concerning labour market dynamics and social inequality.
4. Communication skills
- Summarize and present empirical research findings on labour markets and inequalities in a clear, structured, and coherent manner.
- Engage effectively in classroom discussions, expressing ideas clearly and contributing constructively to collective debate.
- Deliver individual or group presentations, demonstrating the ability to communicate key argu-ments and reasoning clearly and persuasively.
Periodo: Terzo trimestre
Modalità di valutazione: Esame
Giudizio di valutazione: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Corso singolo
Questo insegnamento può essere seguito come corso singolo.
Programma e organizzazione didattica
Edizione unica
Responsabile
Periodo
Terzo trimestre
Programma
The course is structured into two main parts. In the first part, students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts underpinning the sociological analysis of labour markets and inequalities. This part will explore key concepts and indicators used to examine the structure and changes of labour markets, as well as inequalities within them. In the second part, the focus will shift to exploring the primary sources and dimensions of inequalities within labour markets. Through examination of recent empirical research, the course will analyze and discuss key evidence pertaining to inequalities based on social background, gender, and migratory status.
Prerequisiti
No specific prerequisites are necessary for enrolling in the course. However, basic knowledge of sociology may prove beneficial.
Metodi didattici
The course consists of traditional frontal lectures as well as student presentations on topics of their choice relevant to the course.
Materiale di riferimento
In the first part of the course, a selection of mandatory readings - comprising book chapters and scientific articles - will be assigned. The complete list of readings will be made available before the course begins.
In the second part of the course, selected chapters from the following book will be assigned:
Platt, L. (2019). Understanding Inequalities: Stratification and Difference. John Wiley & Sons.
These chapters will be supplemented by additional readings drawn from empirical research articles, which will help illustrate how key theoretical concepts are applied in contemporary sociological research.
In the second part of the course, selected chapters from the following book will be assigned:
Platt, L. (2019). Understanding Inequalities: Stratification and Difference. John Wiley & Sons.
These chapters will be supplemented by additional readings drawn from empirical research articles, which will help illustrate how key theoretical concepts are applied in contemporary sociological research.
Modalità di verifica dell’apprendimento e criteri di valutazione
For attending students:
Student assessment will be based on two components: an oral presentation and a written exam.
The oral presentation will consist of a critical review of the state of the art on a selected topic covered in the course (or more broadly, on issues related to labour markets or inequalities).
The written exam will include both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, designed to assess students' understanding of key topics covered in class.
For non-attending students:
Assessment will be based entirely on a written exam, which will include both multiple-choice and open-ended questions covering the full set of mandatory readings.
Student assessment will be based on two components: an oral presentation and a written exam.
The oral presentation will consist of a critical review of the state of the art on a selected topic covered in the course (or more broadly, on issues related to labour markets or inequalities).
The written exam will include both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, designed to assess students' understanding of key topics covered in class.
For non-attending students:
Assessment will be based entirely on a written exam, which will include both multiple-choice and open-ended questions covering the full set of mandatory readings.
SPS/09 - SOCIOLOGIA DEI PROCESSI ECONOMICI E DEL LAVORO - CFU: 6
Lezioni: 40 ore
Docente:
Cantalini Stefano
Docente/i
Ricevimento:
Giovedì, 9.30-12.30
Microsoft Teams (su appuntamento)