Decent work in the concept of sustainable development 2600-GPKZR(KZ)-OG

The concept of decent work is a relatively new concept, although its origins may be traced in the adoption of the first regulations on labor standards. According to the latest data, decent work is still not the norm for many people around the world. The UN and the EU promote the concept of decent work across all sectors and policy areas, in line with a comprehensive approach to workers in domestic markets, in third countries, and in global supply chains. But what does it actually mean? And how should it be interpreted in light of the concept of sustainable development? When do we speak of substandard work? Can standards be applied selectively? The presenter will attempt to answer these questions, highlighting the most important aspects of decent work in a sustainable development system.
The course will cover topics such as:
1. Sustainable development – achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and their interdependence,
2. Decent versus precarious work – the concept of decent work and its links to the Sustainable Development Goals.
3. Precarious work, modern slavery, informal work,
4. Important issues in the sphere of work – legality, health, age, gender, parenting,
5. Changes in employment and work – legality, migration, environment, technologies, global and local perspectives,
6. The future of jobs and work
7. ILO and EU: current responses to employment policies.

Type of course

general courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

The course is conducted within the “Integrated Teaching & Learning Development Programme – ZIP 2.0”, which is co-financed by the European Social Fund – the European Funds for Social Development Programme 2021–2027 (FERS) (contract no.: FERS.01.05-IP.08-0365/23-00).

Course coordinators

Barbara Godlewska-Bujok

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student:
- knows the basic concepts of sustainable development
- knows the basic concepts of a sustainable labor market
- knows the basic phenomena that constitute a sustainable work environment
- recognizes phenomena related to precarious work or work that does not provide a decent income
- understands the importance of sustainable development goals

Assessment criteria

weighted grade, pre-test and post-test, class attendance – 50% of the grade, activity during classes – 25%, written work – 25%

Bibliography

For example: Fudge, J. (2025). Constructing Modern Slavery. Cambridge Books, Fonseca, L. M., Domingues, J. P., & Dima, A. M. (2020). Mapping the sustainable development goals relationships. Sustainability, 12(8), 3359, Belmonte-Ureña, L. J., Plaza-Úbeda, J. A., Vazquez-Brust, D., & Yakovleva, N. (2021). Circular economy, degrowth and green growth as pathways for research on sustainable development goals: A global analysis and future agenda. Ecological Economics, 185, 107050, Frey, D. F., & MacNaughton, G. (2016). A human rights lens on full employment and decent work in the 2030 sustainable development agenda. Sage Open, 6(2), 2158244016649580, MacNaughton, G., & Frey, D. F. (2015). Decent work, human rights and the sustainable development goals. Geo. J. Int'l L., 47, 607; Kreinin, H., & Aigner, E. (2022). From “Decent work and economic growth” to “Sustainable work and economic degrowth”: a new framework for SDG 8. Empirica, 49(2), 281-311, Rombouts, S. J., & Zekić, N. (2020). Decent and Sustainable Work for the Future?. UCLA Journal of International Law and Foreign Affairs, 24(2), 317-358, Strömstad, J. (2019). A Global Goal: Sustainable Economic Growth and Decent Work for All.

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2600-GPKZR(KZ)-OG in USOSweb