EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR POLICIES

The course contributes to the core learning objectives of the degree programme in Social Sciences and Social Service, providing theoretical and analytical tools to understand the functioning of labour markets and the forms of regulation that shape their dynamics and outcomes in contemporary societies.

It aims to develop a solid grounding in the key concepts of labour sociology and labour market analysis, with particular attention to the economic, social and institutional processes through which labour markets are structured, transformed and differentiated. The course seeks to enable students to critically interpret labour-related phenomena and to understand the role of public policy in shaping their regulation.

In terms of knowledge and understanding, the course enables students to:

• acquire and use key concepts for the analysis of work, labour markets and public policy;
• understand major theoretical approaches to the organisation and regulation of work in contemporary societies;
• analyse the role of institutions, public policy and collective actors in structuring opportunities and inequalities.

In terms of applying knowledge and understanding, the course develops students’ ability to:

• critically interpret key features of contemporary labour, with particular attention to social, spatial and gender inequalities;
• analyse transformations in labour markets and their implications for individuals, social groups and welfare systems;
• assess labour policies in relation to their objectives, instruments and effects;
• apply sociological concepts to the analysis of concrete issues related to work, inclusion and social protection.

Within this framework, students are encouraged to engage with contemporary developments (such as precarious employment, labour market restructuring and inequality) developing theoretically informed analytical skills aimed at understanding the social mechanisms that underpin them.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

Apply sociological tools to the analysis of work
• Use appropriately the key concepts and categories of labour sociology and labour market analysis;
• Interpret labour-related phenomena through the use of established theoretical perspectives.

Use and compare theoretical approaches
• Employ the sociological terminology acquired during the course;
• Analyse situations, problems or policy interventions through specific theoretical perspectives;
• Identify the theoretical frameworks underlying different approaches to the analysis of work;
• Compare alternative interpretations of the same phenomenon, highlighting their assumptions and implications.

Critically analyse labour-related issues and policies
• Examine critically the definition and social construction of labour-related problems;
• Recognise the role of institutions, collective actors and social contexts in the production of inequalities.

Communicate clearly and in a structured manner
• Summarise in writing the main theoretical and analytical contents, highlighting their empirical implications;
• Develop and discuss, in group settings, interpretations of social phenomena, demonstrating argumentative skills.

Engage critically with sources
• Study, understand and critically rework the materials in the reading list;
• Connect theoretical contributions and empirical evidence in the analysis of labour-related phenomena.

No specific prerequisites are required

The course examines work from a sociological perspective, focusing on the relationship between work and society, the functioning of labour markets and their transformations in contemporary societies, with particular attention to the social, institutional and political processes that shape their dynamics and inequalities.

The first part of the course introduces the main concepts and theoretical perspectives for the analysis of work and labour markets. It addresses topics such as the definition of work and labour markets, the social construction of unemployment, forms of segmentation and stratification, as well as the role of institutions and norms in the regulation of employment relations.

The second part focuses on contemporary transformations of work. It explores phenomena such as precariousness, the flexibilisation of employment relations, employment discontinuity, as well as territorial, gender and migration-related differences in the distribution of work opportunities. In this perspective, the course also examines the processes through which the boundaries between work, non-work and inactivity are redefined.

The third part focuses on labour policies and on forms of public and collective regulation. It examines policy instruments (active and passive labour market policies), the role of welfare systems, institutions and collective actors, as well as the ways in which labour-related problems are defined, constructed and addressed at the political and institutional level.

Throughout the course, particular emphasis is placed on linking theoretical perspectives with empirical evidence. Lectures are complemented by the analysis of empirical materials (data, policy documents, press articles and interview extracts), with the aim of developing a critical understanding of labour-related phenomena and policies.

Required readings
Cavalca, G., Mingione, E., Pugliese, E. (2024). Il lavoro. Dalla rivoluzione industriale alla transizione digitale. Rome: Carocci.
Additional required readings (chapters, articles, etc.) will be provided by the teacher via the course Moodle page.

Students are required to select one of the following readings:

- Fullin, G. (2023). I clienti siamo noi. Il lavoro nella società dei servizi. Bologna: Il Mulino.
- Alberti, M. (2024). Il lavoro in Italia. Un profilo storico dall’Unità a oggi. Rome: Carocci.
- Busso, S. (2023). Lavorare meno: Se otto ore vi sembran poche. Turin: Edizioni Gruppo Abele.
- Bertolini, S. (2026). Quitter, NEET e senso del lavoro in Italia. Turin: UTET.

Assessment is based on a written examination consisting of open-ended questions, designed to evaluate:
• knowledge and understanding of the course content;
• the ability to use and apply concepts and theoretical perspectives;
• the ability to critically analyse issues and problems related to work and labour policies;
• the use of appropriate terminology;
• the ability to develop an independent and informed reflection on the topics covered, including through the critical reading of research materials or empirical cases.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

With regard to the grading scale (i.e. how marks are awarded), regardless of attendance status:

A. Grades 18–22 are awarded in the presence of:

a sufficient level of knowledge and applied understanding of the course content;
a limited ability to interpret phenomena and issues related to work and labour markets, and to formulate independent judgements;
adequate communication skills, particularly in the use of the specific language of labour sociology.

B. Grades 23–26 are awarded in the presence of:

a fair level of knowledge and applied understanding of the course content;
a fair ability to interpret phenomena and issues related to work and labour markets, and to formulate independent judgements;
satisfactory communication skills, particularly in the use of the language of labour sociology.

C. Grades 27–30 are awarded in the presence of:

a good or very good level of knowledge and applied understanding of the course content;
a good or very good ability to interpret phenomena and issues related to work and labour markets, and to formulate independent judgements;
fully appropriate communication skills, particularly in the use of the specific language of labour sociology.

D. Distinction (30 with honours) is awarded in the presence of:

an excellent level of knowledge and applied understanding of the course content;
excellent judgement and communication skills;
and, above all, the development of a strong critical understanding of the social processes related to work.

The course is based on lectures, as well as seminar and workshop activities, including in-class presentations of existing research. Seminar and workshop activities, together with individual study, are aimed at developing students’ ability to critically analyse research and the methods employed.

Attendance and active participation are strongly recommended.

The language of instruction is Italian.

Course materials and information (including additional readings for individual study and PowerPoint slides) will be made available on the course Moodle page.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development