To identify and understand the range of factors that shape labour market activity
To understand and critically appraise a range of theoretical perspectives on labour market activity
To identify the nature of public policy in respect of employment and labour market issues, and the relationship between the market and the state
To engage with a number of key debates on the directions of labour market change
To explore the contribution of social science perspectives in developing an understanding of the labour market
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module a student should be able to:
Understand the key structures and processes that characterise labour markets in general
Apply this understanding to their national and local labour markets
Critically assess the contribution of different theoretical perspectives
Develop a critical appreciation of the range of statistical sources on the labour market
Identify and appraise the nature and objectives of employment and labour market policy as implemented in their particular country, understanding why and how it might differ elsewhere
Identify and engage with key debates on the directions of labour market change
The lead marker (the module tutor) will include comments about the content, structure, and evidence used etc. to provide you with constructive information that will enable you to improve on future work. The feedback a tutor can offer can be invaluable to your studies, so it is important you read this carefully.
Feedback will be given in three ways:
(1) Comments within the actual text will highlight specific points and examples that the marker wants to draw to your attention.
(2) The marking criteria will be highlighted to show how your assignment has been rated against those criteria. This will enable you to calibrate your performance against a consistent scale, and therefore to aim to improve in specific areas.
(3) Finally the marker will provide a narrative summary in which the main points will be set out and any major areas for improvement highlighted.
We aim to return your marked work to you within one month of its submission.
Indicative reading
Caraher, K. and Reuter, E. (2017) Vulnerability of the ‘Entrepreneurial Self’: Analysing the Interplay between Labour Markets and Social Policy, Social Policy and Society, Vol 16 (3) pp. 483-496
Heery, E. and Salmon, J. (2000) The insecure workforce, Routledge
Rubery, J. and Grimshaw, D. (2003) The Organisation of Employment: An International Perspective. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.