Module Code - Title:
SO4067
-
SOCIOLOGY OF WORK
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Syllabus:
The course will introduce theories of social change and perspectives on work as well as examining contemporary changes in work practice. The effects of class, gender and ethnicity on access to and experience of work will be examined. The changing organizational context of work will be explored. Other themes include sectoral decline, development and relocation as well as an examination of globalization and the rise of the transnational corporation. The continuance of hierarchical and vertical segregation in the midst of organisational, societal and cultural change will be explored, as well as organisational culture. A number of Irish case studies will be examined e.g those related to the semi-state and educational sectors. The course concludes with a consideration of the future direction of socioeconomic change and its impact on the distribution, structuring and experience of work.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
To distinguish the main theoretical frameworks used in the analysis of socio-economic change and how work and changes in work is conceptualised;
To discuss the interaction of such variables as class and gender on the structure and experience of work;
To explain the growth of and changes in the organisational context of work;
To be aware of the impact of globalisation on the structure and experience of work;
To relate these changes to socio-economic change in Ireland;
To view sociology as a research based discipline;
To undertake at a very rudimentary level the collection and presentation of research data.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
To demonstrate a willingness to discuss the concept of work and compare the different ways in which the concept of work is utilised and the reasons for these differences.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Grint, Keith (2005)
Sociology of work 3rd ed
, Cambridge: Polity
Grint, Keith (2000)
Work and society : a reader
, Cambridge: Polity
Other Relevant Texts:
Mulholland, Kate (2004)
Workplace resistance in an Irish call centre: slammin, scammin, smokin and leaving
, Work, employment and society 18, no 4 pp 709-724.
Taylor, Rebecca F (2004)
Extending conceptual boundaries: work, voluntary work and employment
, Work, employment and society vol18, no1 pp 29-49
O¿Connor, P (2008)
The Irish patriarchal state: continuity and change¿ in M. Adshead, P. Kirby and M. Millar (eds) Contesting the state: Lessons from the Irish case
, Manchester University Press pp 143-164
O¿Connor, P (2009)
Gender and organisational culture: Limits and possibilities for change? In J. Harford and C. Rush (eds) Women and Higher Education in Ireland 1850-2010: Have Women Made a Difference?
, Oxford: Peter Lang
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
denis.maher@ul.ie