Introductory description

This is an elective module available for WBS and non-WBS students. To find detailed availability and to apply for this module, log in to my.wbs.ac.uk using your normal IT login details and apply via the my.wbs module application system. Once you’ve secured a place on my.wbs you should apply via your home department’s usual process, which usually takes place via eVision. Note that you do not require the module leader’s permission to study a WBS module, so please do not contact them to request it.

This module looks at the way different groups of people experience working life and explore the extent to which women and minority groups (e.g., ethnic minorities, disabled people, older/ younger workers) experience disadvantage within organisations and the labour market. Various explanations for this disadvantage will be considered, in relation to both the supply side (e.g. human capital theory, attribution theory, and the demand side (e.g. dual labour market theory, workplace discrimination). We will examine conceptual approaches to equality and diversity and their implications for the way that ‘difference’ is understood and the sometimes conflicting explanations for why different experiences occur and persist. The module also focuses on the different approaches taken by governments and organisations to address the disadvantage women and minority groups encounter. These steps include the introduction of equal opportunities policies and practices, the business case for diversity, legislative remedies and the role of trade unions. Reasons why these potential solutions have typically met with limited success will also be discussed.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module looks at the way different groups of people experience working life and explore the extent to which women and minority groups (e.g., ethnic minorities, disabled people, older/ younger workers) experience disadvantage within organisations and the labour market. Various explanations for this disadvantage will be considered, in relation to both the supply side (e.g. human capital theory, attribution theory, and the demand side (e.g. dual labour market theory, workplace discrimination). We will examine conceptual approaches to equality and diversity and their implications for the way that ‘difference’ is understood and the
sometimes conflicting explanations for why different experiences occur and persist. The module also focuses on the different approaches taken by governments and organisations to address the disadvantage women and minority groups encounter. These steps include the introduction of equal opportunities policies and practices, the business case for diversity, legislative remedies and the role of trade unions. Reasons why these potential solutions have typically met with limited success will also be discussed.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand equality, diversity and inclusion both conceptually and in terms of workplace interventions.
• Understand how people's experience of work and career outcomes differ according to gender, ethnicity, disability, age, migrant status, religion, social class and sexual identity.
• Explore theoretical frameworks that are helpful to understand diverse employeesâ distinct career outcomes and experiences of work.
• Understand stereotyping, discrimination and social identity and the way they operate inside the workplace.
• Critically examine approaches to achieving equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Challenge simplistic explanations of inequality in the workplace.
• Critically evaluate different forms of diversity and inclusion interventions.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

Be aware of the relevant legislative requirements and of Equality bodies, their remit, approach, and role.
Understand how social identity related disadvantages, stereotyping and discrimination plays out in different national and cultural contexts of the UK, Europe and North America.

Transferable skills

Communication skills: summarise key arguments and evidence.