Sociology of Work

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation07.12.2021

Responsible UnitInstitute of Social Sciences and Humanities

Course developer

lect.

Baiba Miltoviča

Mg. paed.

Prior knowledge

Soci1013, Community Development

Soci1014, General Sociological Theory

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to develop knowledge and understanding of sociology of work as one of the branches of sociology, the ability to apply concepts and theoretical approaches to the analysis of labour market challenges. The study course introduces with how work sociology examines labour market processes, development aspects and changes under the influence of various factors. During the study course students get knowledge about theories and approaches of work process analysis and social aspects of work.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge. Understanding and knowledge of the concept of work sociology, the essence of work sociology, types of work, sociology of professions and employment. (Test 1, self-control test); knowledge of theories of work process analysis, research findings on the areas of the labour market and employment (Test 2, self-control test).
Skills. Ability to explain and discuss sociology of work as an argument as one of the branches of sociology, has an idea of the structure of the labour market as a specific mechanism, the impact of changes in various factors (discussion 1); ability to analyse the reports and statistical data on the situation in the labour market in Latvia and the European Union, understands the role of international organizations (OECD and International Labour Organization) (discussion 2); ability to responsibly plan assigned tasks (tests, discussions); ability to constantly obtain the necessary information for the development of a report, is able to structure and design a scientific research work (tests, report); ability to develop social interaction, cooperation and organizational skills. (discussions); ability to present the results of research (presentation, report).
Competence. Ability to evaluate labour market trends and problem situations, apply knowledge and skills to analyse issues related to labour market issues (tests, presentation, report).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Sociology of work as one of the branches of sociology. - 1 hour
2. The concept of work in sociology. - 1 hour
3. Understanding of concepts - career, profession, occupation. - 1 hour
4. Life cycles. Professional cycle. - 1 hour
5. Employment and the labour market. - 1 hour
6. Types of employment. - 2 hours
7. Unemployment from the point of view of sociological theories. - 1 hour
8. The impact of technology on work organization, employee behaviour and attitudes towards work. - 1 hour
9. Theories of work flexibility and post Fordism. - 1 hour
10. Quality of working life. - 1 hour
11. Cooperation and conflicts at work from the sociological perspective. - 1 hour
12. Mechanism of social dialogue in Latvia. - 1 hour
13. Influence of type of activity on leisure time. - 1 hour
14. Current issues about work and the labour market in Latvia and in the world. - 2 hours
List of seminar and practical topics (16 hours)
1. Labour demand and supply. Labour supply and demographic factors. The concept of work sociology, the essence of work sociology, types of work. Test 1. - 2 hours
2. Theories of work process analysis, research findings on the areas of the labour market and employment. Importance of labour market forecasting. Test 2. - 2 hours
3. Sociology of professions and employment. Workers’ qualifications, education and skills. - 2 hours
4. Impact of work on other spheres of life. Unemployment problems from the point of view of various sociological theories. - 2 hours
5. The role of teleworking, on-line work and remotely working forms. - 2 hours
6. Sociology of work as one of the branches of sociology. Labour market structure and changes due to various factors. Discussion 1. - 2 hours
7. Research and statistical data on the situation in the labour market in Latvia and the European Union. The role of international organizations (OECD and International Labour Organization). Mechanism of social dialogue in Latvia. Discussion 2. - 2 hours

8. Development trends of labour migration. Labour force surveys as a specific way of obtaining information and its use. Report, presentation. - 2 hours

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal test with a grade. The final assessment is cumulative on the following topics and tasks: 1) The concept of work sociology, the essence of work sociology, types of work (Test 1 - 20%); 2) Theories of work process analysis, research findings on the fields of labor market and employment (Test 2 - 20%); 3) Sociology of work as one of the branches of sociology. Labor market structure and changes under the influence of various factors. (Discussion 1 - 10%); 4) Analysis and statistical data on the situation in the labor market in Latvia and the European Union. The role of international organizations (OECD and International Labor Organization) (Discussion 2 - 10%); 5) Preparation of a report on the development trends of labor migration (report and its presentation – 40%); 6) Self-control tests about all topics (for distance learning students).

Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Literature studies, preparation of the report and its presentation, preparation for the discussions and tests.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Students must prepare for two discussions (20%), must pass two tests (40 %), write and present report (40%), distance learning students must pass self-control tests. 10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point assessment scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Blyton P., Jenkins L. Key Concepts in Work. London: SAGE Publications, 2007. 257 p. [Tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/detail/detail?vid=11&sid=74c37f10-ec7b-48ca-8ff3-28a4f28441e1%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=258440&db=e000xww
2. Smith V. Sociology of Work: An Encyclopedia. California: SAGE Publications. 2013. [Tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/detail/detail?vid=4&sid=74c37f10-ec7b-48ca-8ff3-28a4f28441e1%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=719558&db=e000xww
3. Grafton T. E. Career Development Across the Lifespan: Counseling for Community, Schools, Higher Education, and Beyond (2nd Edition). 2019. [Tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/detail/detail?vid=10&sid=74c37f10-ec7b-48ca-8ff3-28a4f28441e1%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=2165513&db=e000xww
4. Cimdiņa A. Raubiško I. Cilvēks un darbs Latvijas laukos. Sociālantropoloģisks skatījums. Rīga: Zinātne, 2012. 195.lpp. [Tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://dspace.lu.lv/dspace/handle/7/1323
5. Edgell S. The Sociology of Work. Continuity and Change in paid and unpaid work. London; Thousand Oaks; New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2006. 244 p.
6. Gagne M. The Oxford Handbook of Work Engagement, Motivation, and Self-Determination Theory. Edited by Stephen Ackroyd. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. [Tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/detail/detail?vid=13&sid=74c37f10-ec7b-48ca-8ff3-28a4f28441e1%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=777468&db=e000xww https://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199299249.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199299249
7. Sweet S.A. Changing Contours of Work: Jobs and Opportunities in the New Economy. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press, 2008. 239 p.Poschen P. Decent Work, Green Jobs and the Sustainable Economy. Geneva: ILO. 2015. [Tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/detail/detail?vid=26&sid=74c37f10-ec7b-48ca-8ff3-28a4f28441e1%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=1021636&db=e000xww
8. Watson T.J. Sociology, Work and Industry. London; New York: Routledge, 2003. 310 p. [Tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://ndl.ethernet.edu.et/bitstream/123456789/54555/1/17.Tony%20J.%20Watson.pdf

Periodicals and other sources

1. OECD iLibrary. Employment. [Tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/employment;jsessionid=7n1mp01549siq.x-oecd-live-02
2. Work and Occupations. An International Sociological Journal. Published by Sage Publications. ISSN (electronic): [Tiešsaiste].Pieejams: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/wox
3. Books, Journals, Articles. [Tiešsaiste]. Pieejams: http://www.questia.com/library/sociology-and-anthropology/labor-and-work/sociology-of-work.jsp

Notes

Elective study course in the ESAF academic bachelor study programme “Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”

Atsauksmes