THEORIES AND ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITIES

The course introduces the study of social inequalities in the contemporary world aiming to achieve the following objectives: present the main theories and the main analytical tools concerning inequalities; provide in-depth knowledge of the causes, dimensions and forms of inequalities, with particular attention to the European and Italian context; give student skills and abilities to apply in studies and social work.

At the end of the course the student:
- has knowledge of the theoretical framework and concepts necessary for the study and analysis of inequalities;
- has a general framework of inequalities in the Western world, of main generative causes and their main forms (taken in time and space);
- is able to clearly formulate the content of the course, to use properly the current terminology in the field of inequalities, to argue in support of the principal theoretical hypotheses, to give examples in order to support or refute a hypothesis of analysis;
- is able to collect information, provide analysis and interpretations by applying acquired knowledge, providing relevant examples built autonomously;
- is able to communicate and interact with different audiences.

There are not pre-requirements.

Sociological theory and inequalities.
Global inequalities, international inequalities and internal inequalities: causes, dimensions, trasnformations.
Forms of inequalities: work, housing, race, health, education, gender, generations, environnement.
Ideology and inequalities.
Inequalities and social citizenship.

Required reading:
- Orazio Giancola, Luca Salmieri (2020). Sociologia delle disuguaglianze. Teorie, metodi, ambiti. Carocci editore.
- Carrosio, G., Cogliati Dezza, V. (2026). Clima ingiusto. Il welfare per un patto eco-sociale. Donzelli.
- Perocco F., Pirina G. (2025) Le disuguaglianze territoriali in Italia. ECF. (scaricabile qui: https://edizionicafoscari.unive.it/it/edizioni4/libri/978-88-6969-991-7/ ). One chapter of the student's choice.

Written exam. The exam aims to assess knowledge and understanding of the course's fundamental concepts and contents, the ability to apply knowledge and understanding, the ability to make connections and links, and the ability to rework the material in a personal way.

Learning is assessed through a written test consisting of four open-ended questions. Each question is worth 7.5 points.

Time allowed for the written test: 2 hours.

Further information about the exam is provided during lectures and on Moodle. For further information about the exam, please contact the lecturer by email or during office hours.

When registering for the exam, students must inform the lecturer by email of the title(s) of the book(s) they have chosen. In accordance with the regulations, students with a certified specific learning disorder (SLD/DSA) may use a computer and are entitled to 30% additional time. To make use of this option, those concerned must contact the Disability Office, which will provide the lecturer with the list of students with a certified specific learning disorder registered for the exam.

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.

A, grades between 18-22: sufficient knowledge and understanding skills applied to the program; limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments; sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of the specific language of the course.
B, grades between 23-26: fair knowledge and understanding applied to the program; fair ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating autonomous judgments; fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of the specific language of the course.
C, grades between 27-30: good or excellent knowledge and understanding skills applied to the program; good or excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating independent judgments; fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of the specific language of the course.
D, laude: it is awarded in the presence of knowledge and understanding applied to the program, excellent judgment and communication skills.

Lectures and seminars with discussion; case-studies.

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion
Ca' Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). If you have a disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development