SOCIAL VULNERABILITIES, WELFARE AND TERRITORIAL SERVICES

1.        Knowledge and Understanding: 
Students will become familiar with the themes of marginality and social vulnerabilities, as well as the birth and development of the Welfare State and socio-educational services in Italy

2.        Application of Knowledge and Understanding:

Students will be able to critically navigate various welfare models, understand the origins of social vulnerabilities at both global and local levels, and adequately analyze the processes of delivering territorial services and their outcomes.

3.        Autonomy of Judgment: 

Students will gain awareness of the cultural, political, and social dynamics that influence the emergence of the analyzed vulnerabilities and will be able to collect and interpret available data and critically evaluate the different forms of implementation and delivery of territorial services.

4.        Communication Skills:
Students will be able to clearly, effectively, and appropriately present the issues and social dynamics covered in the course, arguing different positions and possible analyses considering the audience.

5.        Learning Skills: 
Students will be able to independently find data and analyses on the dynamics studied and continue to update themselves by identifying appropriate scientific and regulatory sources.

Lectures and in-class laboratory activities 

No prior knowledge is required, although basic notions of general sociology and social research methodology can allow for more active participation in classroom lessons and group work.

According to the academic regulations, attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.

The course aims to provide basic knowledge to analyze and understand the emergence of complex needs and various forms of vulnerability in light of modern processes of social exclusion. Attention will be given to the study of social rights related to these needs, the evolution of the welfare system, and local services aimed at addressing such vulnerabilities. 

Through the lens of social research, data, and case studies, the course seeks to strengthen skills related to understanding social contexts and planning socio-educational interventions, with a particular focus on combating poverty and extreme marginalization. 

The course's objective is to enhance awareness of the cultural, political, and social dynamics that influence the emergence of the vulnerabilities, encouraging future community educators to develop a critical and interdisciplinary approach necessary for operating in complex contexts and working in teams with professionals from various disciplines.

The course is divided into two parts. The first set of lectures focuses on the emergence of specific social vulnerabilities, the study of needs associated with them, the analysis of services and welfare models aimed at addressing these needs, their historical evolution, and the characteristics of the Italian welfare system.

In the second set of lectures different areas of deeper examination will be identified (such as poverty, severe adult marginalization, migration, homelessness, educational poverty, housing policies, etc.). Through group work and thematic meetings, the dynamics, available analyses, and services targeting the identified vulnerabilities will be further explored.

Ranci C. Pavolini E. C. Gori (a cura di), Le politiche di Welfare Il Mulino 2024 II ed. cap.I, II e III pp. 17-121

S. Sassen Espulsioni. Brutalità e complessità nell’economia globale, cap I pp- 19-90

Cottino A. (a cura di) Lineamenti di Sociologia del diritto, Zanichelli 2020 cap.II Seconda Parte “I processi di implementazione delle norme: dai diritti di carta ai diritti sostanziali” pp.303-340

Consoli M. Teresa (2020) “Le politiche di contrasto alla povertà in Sicilia” open access (8 pp.) https://www.urbanit.it/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/BP_Consoli.pdf

Lo studio prevede un capitolo a scelta tra IV, V, VI, VII VIII, IX o X della seconda parte del testo Le politiche di welfare dedicata a Politiche e Nuovi Rischi sociali

A written assessment and an oral/laboratory assessment on topics chosen by the students are planned. The criteria for evaluating the fibal exam will be: the correctness and completeness of the topics, clarity of presentation, use of language, as well as the ability to analyze and critically assess.

The final evaluation ranges from insufficient to 30 with honors according to the following criteria:

Exam not passed: The student does not demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of the course, uses inappropriate language, and is unable to independently apply acquired knowledge.

18–21 (Sufficient): The student demonstrates a basic knowledge of the course topics but shows difficulties in discussing or applying them and has limited ability for critical depth.

22–25 (Fair): The student demonstrates adequate knowledge of the course topics and can interact critically with materials, cases, or discussions, though not always comprehensively.

26–28 (Good): The student demonstrates a solid understanding of the course topics and can perform tasks, case analyses, or discussions independently, with only slight inaccuracies.

29–30 (Very Good – Excellent): The student demonstrates a thorough understanding of the course topics, independently and critically addressing situations and cases, creating appropriate connections between themes, with very few errors.

30 with honors (Distinction): The student shows exceptional mastery of course topics, tackling tasks and discussions with originality, critical insight, and error-free arguments

What are the new social risks, and what services are available in the territories?

What are the characteristics of the Italian welfare system?

What processes of expulsion/exclusion are identified at the global level and which impacts they have on our social contexts?

Rights and services in Italy: evolution and critical issues of social rights in Italy