Inequality stands as a central concern within contemporary discussions in the field of social sciences. This course centres its attention on the impact of governments, labour unions, and worker attitudes in both the creation and reduction of disparities in the labour market, spanning different countries and economic sectors. We explore a range of inequalities, including those related to gender, youth, migration, and low-skilled labour, which have emerged as a result of recent transformations in welfare states and labour markets.
Furthermore, the course delves into the evolving landscape of labour market inequalities, which has been significantly influenced by the rise of digitalization and the widespread adoption of remote work, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We closely examine this phenomenon, including its implications on working conditions, by exploring topics such as the 'platform economy,' 'telework,' and emerging employment structures.
In addition to macro-level inequalities, the course takes a deeper look at workplace disparities, with a specific focus on gender-related issues, as well as the experiences of young workers and migrants. Drawing on real-world examples from various countries, we engage in discussions about the strategies and actions that worker organisations, businesses, and policymakers can employ to address and mitigate these forms of inequality