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Sociology

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SOU44051 Labour Markets, Gender and Institutions

Module Content/Outline:

This module provides students with a systematic introduction to the transformation of work in the context of rapidly changing aspects of labour markets in advanced market economies. The changing structure of labour markets is associated with new technologies, deregulation, flexibilization and individualization. In the first part of the module we will examine the increasing participation and changing position of women on the labour market. We will further examine theories and empirical findings regarding the divisions of paid and unpaid labour, precariousness and impermanence, labour market participation of women and wage and career inequality are discussed with a special emphasis on the interplay of individual decisions and formal and informal societal institutions. We will examine jobs, employers and careers/life cycle issues in a globalising world and the possible consequences of the rise of digitalisation and artificial intelligence for the world of work.  

Learning Objectives:

Students successfully completing the module will be able to:

  •   Describe the main trends in the changing structure of labour markets in a globalising world;
  •   Compare and contrast different contemporary experiences of work in flexibilized labour markets;
  •   Critically evaluate the role of public policies in wage and career inequality;
  •   Assess the empirical evidence and implications of institutional influence on the employment relationship;• Assess the empirical evidence and implications of institutional influence on the employment relationship;
  •   Develop and engage critical thinking skills.

Lectures & Tutorials/ Contact hours:

One lecture and one tutorial per week.
Workload: Lectures: 22 hrs; Tutorials: 22 hrs; Exams/assignments: 22 hrs; Self-study: 284 hrs. Total: 350 hours.

Recommended Texts/ Key Reading:

Assessment

 Students complete a take home assignment (3 questions) at the end of term (worth 80% of final grade). Tutorial attendance and student presentation (worth 20% of final grade).

Penalties for late submission: Without an authorised extension, the mark given will be lowered by one grade