45188 - Sociology of Lifestyles

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students are expected to acquire: - knowledge of sociological definitions and debates regarding contemporary lifestyles, including in particular identity building within work ethic and leisure activities, styles of consumption and taste cultures; - ability to critically analyse everyday phenomena from the perspective of sociological theories on lifestyles.

Course contents

The course is structured in a first part dedicated to the presentation of sociological theoretical reference frameworks for the study of consumption practices and lifestyles. Within this framework, perspectives useful for understanding the complexity of the concept of lifestyle will be explored by delving into classical theoretical approaches to the study of lifestyles, the dynamics of identification, individualization and differentiation processes, the tendency to differentiate and the need for recognition, the notion of habitus, field, social and cultural practices, and the construction of taste.

A second part is devoted to an in-depth study of issues of contemporary relevance. pace will thus be given to a critical reflection on the relationship between lifestyles and the transformations of consumption styles from a global and local perspective, fashion and the intersectional dimensions manifested in it, and musical and artistic subcultures. In the last part of the course, students will be invited to reflect on the possibility of applying to contemporary phenomena related to lifestyles, concepts and tools of analysis drawn from the sociological theories presented.

Readings/Bibliography

BIBLIOGRAPHY (Mandatory readings)

1. Codeluppi V. (2022), Manuale di sociologia dei consumi, Carocci, Roma. (capp. 4-5-6-7-8)

2. Berzano L., Genova C. (2011), Sociologia dei lifestyle, Carocci, Roma. (capp. 1-3-6-7-8)

A topic of you choice:

Fashion

1. Anouchka Grose (2024),Contro la moda, Wudz Edizioni, Milano.

2. Monica Sassatelli e Simona Segre-Reinach (2024), La moda cambia: forme del fashion activism, in Paltrinieri, Spampinato (ed.by) Arti come agency. Il valore sociale e politico delle arti nelle comunità, FrancoAngeli, Milano.

Available at sitohttps://series.francoangeli.it/index.php/oa/catalog/book/1171

Subcultures and music

1. Francesco Caroli (2023), Il mutamento delle subculture. Dai teddy boy alla scena trap, Meltemi, Milano.

2. Paolo Magaudda, Lucio Spaziante (2022), Lo studio delle sottoculture: sguardi disciplinari, trasformazione sociali, mutamenti estetici, STUDI CULTURALI, 1, 73-90

Available at  https://cris.unibo.it/retrieve/handle/11585/891101/0bfee9de-dc9a-4d1c-b63c-9f3c4e5da735/Magaudda-Spaziante_Lo-studio-delle-sottoculture-musicali_accepted-manuscript.pdf

 

Students with temporary or permanent SLDs or disabilities: It is recommended that you immediately contact the University office in charge and the lecturer to determine the most effective strategies for attending class and/or preparing for the exam.

Teaching methods

Lectures with the use of digital supports (slides, video and audio documents). Discussion of empirical cases based on documents and readings provided in class. Active participation and contribution to collective discussion are strongly encouraged.

Seminar activities may include the intervention of experts and professionals in the field.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of an oral examination on the texts indicated in the bibliography and aims to verify the achievement of mastery of the subject with reference to the topics covered during the lectures and discussed in class. In addition to the mandatory texts indicated as reference manuals for the study of the subject with their supporting ppt presentations, the student will chose one of the two topic of his or her choice as mentioned in the bibliography section.

His or her ability to rework and argue and the ability to connect the theoretical part with the practices and cases presented will be positively evaluated.

Attendance and participation in the discussions during the lectures will also be evaluated as an important opportunity to discuss the topics covered.

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the  University office in charge with enough time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PC, internet, PowerPoint, audio and video documentary material, possible contributions from external parties. All materials will be made available on the virtual platform

Office hours

See the website of Teresa Carlone