Course content

This course focuses on the policy of workfare and inclusion of individuals into the labor market. The possibilities for integration and inclusion of different individuals and groups is discussed through theories from social anthropology, sociology, social policy and political science. The relevance of differences in living conditions, class, gender, ethnicity, health and education is central. The course will look into the consequences of globalization, migration, and transnationalism for working life, inclusion and exclusion.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student:

• has knowledge of workplace, labor market policy, and workfare as both a means and measure of inclusion.
• is familiar with mechanisms of exclusion and discrimination in working life, and consequences of marginalization
• has knowledge of the connection between living conditions, health, education and participation in working life.
• has knowledge of strategies and measures in inclusion work, and of the interaction between relevant actors in the labor market and in the welfare system.

Skills - the student:

• can discuss and critically reflect on possibilities and limitations of the official policy of workfare.
• can reflect critically upon the ideals and inclusion strategies the welfare state may apply to obtain working life inclusion, in meeting with differences in living conditions, social class, ethnicity, gender, education and health.
• can reflect the relationship between migration, work participation and inclusion.

General competence - the student:

• understands reasons for and consequences of different affiliation to work.
• understands the welfare system's different ways of including individuals and groups also in a minority/majority perspective.
• can analyze possibilities and limitations to working life inclusion in a critical and independent way.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars and individual studies. Parts of the course may be given in English.

Compulsory assignments

• Oral presentation and written assignment in groups
• Participation in two seminars

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The course has study rights requirements. This means that the course is reserved for students admitted to the programme Bachelor in Social Work at NTNU.

Course materials

Will be published on Blackboard at the start of the course

Credit reductions