In this seminar we will discuss classic texts that analyse the problem of unemployment. We will mirror different approaches of labour market policy in a comparative perspective and also discuss minimum wage policies as a special policy in this field. Furthermore an introduction to most relevant theories is given.

Digital technologies increasingly affect the content of individual jobs as well the structure of employment in European labor markets. While it is often argued that highly skilled workers benefit from increasing demand for their expertise as it cannot easily be replaced by IT solutions, there is growing concern regarding the future of medium-skilled jobs, often performed in established sectors that provide stable and decently paid jobs. At the same time, digital change can lead to a further flexibilization of work by way of an increasing role of online platforms, questioning the very notion of employment relationships and increasing competition for paid jobs. This seminar will disentangle the many aspects of digital change and their role in shaping jobs and skills requirements. It pays particular attention to the capacities of different welfare states and training systems to adapt so that transitions to jobs less at risk of automation can be achieved. This has major implications for vocational training, adult learning and labor market policies, often defined as the main branches of social investment.
Important notes:
The seminar takes place on 21 October, 11 November, 9 and 16 December, 13 and 20 January, with alternating online and offline sessions.
21 October (12-14h), 9 December (12-18h) and 13 January (12-18h) are online, 11 November (12-16h), 16 December (12-18h) and 20 January (12-16h) are in-person at Socium.
There will be short individual zoom talks before the first session (i.e. in mid-October).
Main requirements are active participation in the seminar, the introduction into the topic of one session, and a term paper.

The seminar offers an introduction to qualitative methods in the social sciences. It deals with the foundations of qualitative research as well as the various phases of a qualitative research process (including the development of research questions, case study designs, methods of data collection and data analysis). Building on this, the students will carry out their own qualitative research project in small groups.