SOS9233 – New Directions in Research on Social Class

Course content

Social inequality currently gets a lot of attention, but sociologists appear less visible in discussions about inequality than what one would expect. Has this something to do with the understanding of class or the use of the class concept in research? Can the sociological research on this topic be improved? What is the contribution of sociology, or more specifically sociological class theory, for understanding inequality trends as well as changes, tensions, and political events in a number of countries?  The course brings together scholars representing different perspectives in class analysis, in order to achieve discussions across the boundaries of these different approaches.

Learning outcome

After the course the participants will

  • Understand major positions in recent contributions to class theory
  • Be able to link these positions to approaches to class in the sociological tradition
  • Have acquired knowledge about the relevance and variations in the meaning and importance of class across countries
  • Understand differences between micro- and macro level approaches to class theory, and consequences of using these approaches in research
  • Have developed ideas about how the class concept can be used in research in urban settings, and in studies of symbolic boundaries
  • Understand how the concept of class can be used in their individual projects

Admission

Ph.D.-students at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography register for the course in Studentweb.

Participants outside the Department of Sociology and Human Geography shall fill out this application form.

The application deadline is 1st September 2017.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

No requirements other than that the students have to be enrolled in a doctoral program.

Teaching

The course is arranged by Marianne Nordli Hansen, Professor of Sociology, University of Oslo, and Johannes Hjellbrekke, Professor of Sociology, University of Bergen.  A number of prominent researchers contribute to the program (see the course schedule).

The course is going to be hold in Paris. Meet up at: Centre Universitaire de Norvège à Paris, CUNP Fondation Maison des Sciences de l'Homme, FMSH 54, Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris.

All titles are preliminary and must be confirmed upon confirmation of participation.

 

Schedule

Oct. 18th, EHES, Salle A-BS1-28: Class Analysis Revitalized.

Opening lecture:

10.00 - 10.10: Welcome and Introduction.  Prof. Marianne Nordli Hansen, UiO.

10.10-10.30: The Norwegian University Center in Paris.  Director, CUNP, Johs. Hjellbrekke

10.30-11.15: Prof. Mike Savage, LSE: Social Class in the 21st Century. 

11.15 - 11.45: Comments and Questions

11.45-13.00: Lunch.

13.00-13.30: Social class and Social Closure.  Prof. Marianne Nordli Hansen, UiO

13.30-13.45: Comments and Questions

13.45-14.15: Johs. Hjellbrekke, CUNP/FMSH:   Social Class and Social Capital.

14.15 – 14.30: Comments and Questions.  

14.30 – 15.00: TBA. Post. doc. Magne Flemmen, UiO

15.00-15.15: Comments and Questions.  

15.15-15.30: Break

15.30-17.00: Paper Session 1

17.00-17.15:  Break

17.15-18.15: Paper Sessi