2025
Social Inequalities and Vulnerable Populations
Name: Social Inequalities and Vulnerable Populations
Code: SOC15966O
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Sociology
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The learning objectives of the course, considering the knowledge, skills and competences, to be achieved by students are:
? Understand the concepts of social inequality and vulnerability, and their manifestations in various contexts
? Analyse the factors that perpetuate social inequalities and their consequences
? To learn about intervention strategies to mitigate social inequalities and protect vulnerable populations
? Identify good practices for inclusion and equity
Skills to:
? Develop critical analyses of social inequalities and their relationship with education, health, housing and the labour market
? To assess research methodologies for the identification of factors of social vulnerability and the development of appropriate intervention strategies
? Recognise the impact of social programmes and projects
? Understand the concepts of social inequality and vulnerability, and their manifestations in various contexts
? Analyse the factors that perpetuate social inequalities and their consequences
? To learn about intervention strategies to mitigate social inequalities and protect vulnerable populations
? Identify good practices for inclusion and equity
Skills to:
? Develop critical analyses of social inequalities and their relationship with education, health, housing and the labour market
? To assess research methodologies for the identification of factors of social vulnerability and the development of appropriate intervention strategies
? Recognise the impact of social programmes and projects
Contents
Module 1: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations
Concepts of social inequality, vulnerability, social exclusion and social justice
Classic and contemporary theories of inequality
Global and local inequalities: a comparative perspective
Module 2: Dimensions of Social Inequalities and Vulnerable Populations
The multidimensional nature of inequalities
Inequalities and the life cycle: childhood, youth, adulthood and old age
Inequality indicators
Vulnerable populations and groups
Module 3: Public Policies and Social Intervention Strategies
Public policies and their impact on inequalities
Social programs and intervention projects with vulnerable population?
Good practices and social intervention models
Community support networks and the role of NGO
Social participation and empowerment of vulnerable populations
Ethics and challenges in intervention with vulnerable populations.
Concepts of social inequality, vulnerability, social exclusion and social justice
Classic and contemporary theories of inequality
Global and local inequalities: a comparative perspective
Module 2: Dimensions of Social Inequalities and Vulnerable Populations
The multidimensional nature of inequalities
Inequalities and the life cycle: childhood, youth, adulthood and old age
Inequality indicators
Vulnerable populations and groups
Module 3: Public Policies and Social Intervention Strategies
Public policies and their impact on inequalities
Social programs and intervention projects with vulnerable population?
Good practices and social intervention models
Community support networks and the role of NGO
Social participation and empowerment of vulnerable populations
Ethics and challenges in intervention with vulnerable populations.
Teaching Methods
An active and participatory pedagogical model is adopted, promoting interaction between theory and practice.
Teaching and learning methodologies include:
? Lectures and dialogues: Presentation of fundamental concepts and debate on the central themes of the course.
? Case studies: Analysis and discussion of concrete experiences of social inequality and intervention with vulnerable populations.
? Problem-based learning (PBL): Resolution of real challenges allowing an in-depth approach to emerging issues in the field of social inequality.
?
Collaborative methodologies are favoured, such as:
? Group Discussions: Debating issues and solving problems in small groups, encouraging the sharing of ideas, argumentation and the development of communication skills.
? Peer Learning: Tutoring between students, promoting collaboration and mutual help.
Online Learning Platforms and Multimedia Resources are also available.
Teaching and learning methodologies include:
? Lectures and dialogues: Presentation of fundamental concepts and debate on the central themes of the course.
? Case studies: Analysis and discussion of concrete experiences of social inequality and intervention with vulnerable populations.
? Problem-based learning (PBL): Resolution of real challenges allowing an in-depth approach to emerging issues in the field of social inequality.
?
Collaborative methodologies are favoured, such as:
? Group Discussions: Debating issues and solving problems in small groups, encouraging the sharing of ideas, argumentation and the development of communication skills.
? Peer Learning: Tutoring between students, promoting collaboration and mutual help.
Online Learning Platforms and Multimedia Resources are also available.
Assessment
The assessment of learning aims to be comprehensive and diversified, covering different instruments and activities, in the continuous assessment system, such as:
? Participation (20%):
? Work (30%):
? Presentation of Project or Written Test of Application of Knowledge (50%)
The assessment system by final exam includes a written test (100%):
? Questions that assess the understanding of key concepts, theories and debates on social inequalities and vulnerable populations.
? Analysis and interpretation of data and social indicators.
? Critical discussion of public policies and social intervention strategies.
? Ability to argue, summarize and articulate ideas.
? Participation (20%):
? Work (30%):
? Presentation of Project or Written Test of Application of Knowledge (50%)
The assessment system by final exam includes a written test (100%):
? Questions that assess the understanding of key concepts, theories and debates on social inequalities and vulnerable populations.
? Analysis and interpretation of data and social indicators.
? Critical discussion of public policies and social intervention strategies.
? Ability to argue, summarize and articulate ideas.
Teaching Staff
- Maria da Saudade Rodrigues Colaço Baltazar [responsible]
Certificações
