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Changing Labour Markets and Inequalities (SOCI90019)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2019
Overview
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Labour markets have undergone substantial changes over the past decades. Trends of globalization, de-industrialization, increasing (youth) unemployment, changing gender roles and demographic ageing have transformed substantially the nature of employment relationships and work in advanced economies. Labour force has become more diverse in the composition of workers – with more women, older workers and immigrants – while more divided by people’s education, race and gender. In this subject we will investigate how changes in the labour market institutions, as well as changes in the organization and composition of workers have produced disparities in careers, wages and labour market dynamics within and across generations over the past decades. To address these issues, the subject combines insights from sociological and economic labour market theory, ranging from classic human capital and job search models to more sociological approaches that emphasize the structure of organizations and institutions within a comparative perspective. We will use this theoretical background to discuss more recent empirical work about e.g., changing work and employment relationships; transformation of job histories and careers; the rising wage and gender inequality; the role of welfare states and institutions; discrimination in the labour market; and the intergenerational transmission of (dis)advantage. Through active in-class discussions, quizzes and exercises students will learn how to interpret labour market theories and critically assess empirical work.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
- Name, define and interpret basic concepts and components of labour market theories;
- Have a critical understanding of the sources and consequences of changing labour markets for individuals working lives, their employment opportunities and the fortunes of their families;
- Reflect upon and critically discuss recent empirical work;
- Provide a thorough and critical analysis of literature on this topic.
Generic skills
- Oral communication; written communication;
- Collaborative learning; problem solving; team work;
- Statistical reasoning; application of theory to practice;
- Interpretation and analysis; critical thinking;
- Accessing data and other information from a range of sources.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Public policy or sociology at undergraduate level
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A research paper of 1,000 words, on a question as guided by the subject co-ordinator (20%), due 2 weeks after the delivery of the subject.
- A research essay of 4,000 words, on a question as guided by the subject co-ordinator (80%), due 8 weeks after the delivery of the subject.
Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2019
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022