Sociology of Work in South Africa Training

Objectives:
• Define sociology of work and its relevance to South Africa.
• Identify key sociological perspectives on work.
• Understand the historical evolution of work in South Africa.
• Recognize the impact of apartheid on labour relations.

Topics:
• What is sociology of work?
• Sociological perspectives: functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism.
• History of work in South Africa: pre-colonial, colonial, and apartheid eras.
• The legacy of apartheid on the labour market.
• Introduction to key concepts: division of labour, alienation, and labour markets.

Objectives:
• Explain how work shapes social class and inequality.
• Analyse the relationship between work and social mobility.
• Discuss gender and race inequalities in the South African workplace.
• Evaluate the role of education in work opportunities.

Topics:
• Social stratification and class structure in South Africa.
• Gender segregation and wage gaps.
• Racial inequalities and the labour market.
• Social mobility: barriers and enablers.
• Education and skills development in South Africa.
• Case study: Mining sector and inequality.

Objectives:
• Describe the structure of the South African labour market.
• Differentiate between formal and informal employment.
• Analyse unemployment trends and causes.
• Understand labour market policies and interventions.

Topics:
• Formal vs. informal sector employment.
• Unemployment: types, causes, and statistics in South Africa.
• Labour market flexibility and precarious work.
• Government policies: NDP, employment equity, and skills development.
• Trade unions and collective bargaining.
• Case study: The gig economy in South Africa.

Objectives:
• Analyse different organisational structures and their impact on work.
• Understand organisational culture and power dynamics.
• Evaluate the effects of technology on work organisation.
• Discuss worker participation and empowerment.

Topics:
• Bureaucracy and organisational theory.
• Organisational culture and identity.
• Power, authority, and control in the workplace.
• Taylorism, Fordism, and post-Fordism.
• Technology and automation: impact on jobs.
• Worker participation: co-ops, ESOPs, and workplace democracy.

Objectives:
• Explain how work shapes individual and group identities.
• Analyse the relationship between work and self-esteem.
• Discuss work-life balance and its challenges.
• Explore the meaning of work in different cultural contexts.

Topics:
• Work as a source of identity and meaning.
• Occupational identity and professionalisation.
• Work-life balance: South African realities.
• Emotional labour and burnout.
• Cultural perspectives on work: Ubuntu and communalism.
• Case study: Domestic workers and identity.

Objectives:
• Outline key South African labour laws.
• Understand the role of trade unions and employer organisations.
• Analyse dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Evaluate the impact of labour legislation on workplaces.

Topics:
• Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act.
• Trade unions in South Africa: history and current role.
• Collective bargaining and strikes.
• Dispute resolution: CCMA, Labour Court.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Case study: Marikana and its aftermath.

Objectives:
• Explain the impact of globalisation on South African work.
• Analyse multinational corporations and labour standards.
• Discuss global supply chains and decent work.
• Evaluate the role of international labour organisations.

Topics:
• Globalisation and labour markets.
• Multinational corporations and South Africa.
• Global supply chains: ethics and labour rights.
• International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
• Migration and work: cross-border labour.
• Case study: Clothing and textiles industry.

Objectives:
• Identify emerging trends in the world of work.
• Analyse the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
• Discuss the future of work in South Africa.
• Evaluate the role of green jobs and sustainability.

Topics:
• Fourth Industrial Revolution: AI, robotics, and digitalisation.
• Remote work and the digital divide.
• Green jobs and the just transition.
• Informal economy innovations.
• Youth unemployment and entrepreneurship.
• Case study: Tech hubs in South Africa.

Objectives:
• Synthesise key concepts from the course.
• Apply sociological analysis to real-world work scenarios.
• Develop strategies for promoting decent work in South Africa.
• Prepare for assessment and final evaluation.

Topics:
• Review of key themes and theories.
• Group presentations on selected topics.
• Developing a workplace intervention plan.
• Ethical considerations in the sociology of work.
• Course assessment and feedback.
• Action planning for applying knowledge.