Futures of Work - SPY00156M

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  • Department: Social Policy and Social Work
  • Credit value: 15 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

How we work seems to be subject to profound changes, while employment conditions appear to become more problematic for many. This module looks into the main trends around employment and the multiple drivers behind them, as well as the social policy responses that seek to shape the future of work.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Online Teaching Period 5 2023-24

Module aims

The module explores the interplay between the nature of work and employment, social policy and social inclusion. The module covers three main topic areas: 1) the importance of work both for economies and for individuals and their place in society; 2) major changes and trends in the nature of work and the impact on employment conditions and individual and economic ‘stability’ 3) the ways in which social policies respond to as well as contribute to these changes. These three topics are explored as interconnected and using a problem-centred approach the module will identify current and potential future challenges and critically assess a range of policy interventions.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module participants should be able to:

  • understand how social inequalities and inequities are reproduced through employment and labour market policies.

  • employ relevant data sets to explore the rise of issues such as increased precarity and underemployment.

  • use appropriate models and frameworks to critically examine and analyse contemporary labour market challenges from a comparative and international perspective.

  • understand the relationships between national and global social policy initiatives and labour market inequalities in the context of the policy agendas of international organisations.

  • research and analyse the impact of technological development on the nature of work, and critically explore how social policies can and do respond to current and future trends and challenges from an international and comparative perspective.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100.0

Module feedback

Feedback on summative assessments will be provided within 20 working days, consisting of written comments and a marking matrix

Indicative reading

Edgell, S., Gottfried, H. and Granter, E. (2015). The Sage Handbook of the Sociology of Work and Employment. Sage

Pettinger, L. (2019). What’s wrong with Work? Policy Press