YFIM6004 Nordic working life model: past, present and the future of work in light of institutional theories (2–5 cr)

Target group:

Suitable both for intermediate and advanced level students

Course description:

This course explores the question on the existence and persistence of the Nordic working life model and the past, present and the future of work in light of institutional theories and comparative research methods.

The course introduces the main features of the institutional framework of the Nordic work life model: how various labor market institutions such as labor legislation, trade unions, collective agreements and inclusive educational and training systems regulate employment relationships and affect work life outcomes, creating high quality of work life.

What kind of change in work life is expected according to institutional theories? How has quality of work life in various countries changed in light of statistics and working conditions surveys?

These lectures also discusses the question of occupational and gender in/equalities in the Nordic working life. How does the gender gap in work life look like in a comparative perspective: are women in Nordic countries more (dis)advantaged in terms of career achievements, supervisory and managerial positions, and quality of jobs?

Furthermore, during the course we will critically discuss the durability of institutions as well as their meaning for future of work. There are several pressures for change that have been interpreted as challenges for the Nordic model, such as digitalization and new forms of work, managerial practices that may be interpreted as institutional avoidance, and rapidly emerging new service industries which traditional institutional anchors weakly protect.

Is Nordic model likely to sustain in the future? How will work (both the quantity and quality) change in the future? The concluding lectures evaluate how these changes threaten the functioning of institutions as protecting mechanisms.

Mode of study:

Lectures, group discussions, a presentation during the course = 2 ects
(+3 ects a written essay assignment to be completed after the course = 5 ects)

The course starts with a virtual introduction session (3h) two weeks before the intensive week. This virtual session includes an introduction to the course contents and modes of learning. The participants prepare for the virtual session by preparing a small assignment and by listening to a podcast that introduces the students to the topics of the course. These assignments will be discussed during the virtual session.

Assessment:

Grading of the course 0-5 (0=fail, 5=excellent)

Timing:

29.5. – 2.6.2023 (in person in Jyväskylä) + virtual session two weeks before the intensive week

On successful completion of this course, the student

- has gained basic knowledge about Nordic working life model, its institutional features, and outcomes from the employee perspective
- understands main differences between employment regimes in Europe, and acquires greater understanding how employment and work life outcomes vary according to gender, occupation and sector in various regimes
- learn to use statistical and survey research material tools available online for searching information on change in work life and apply them
- has developed his/her competencies in critically evaluating and participating in (public) discussions concerning change in work life.