The goal of this seminar is to explore sociological theories of migration and labor mobility through the lens of the global entertainment industry. Focusing on athletes, musicians, dancers, and artists, the course examines how aspirations, opportunity structures, and cultural economies shape the movement of talent across regions and borders. Students will engage with contemporary theories to analyze why individuals relocate for career development and progression, how networks and institutions influence mobility, and what forms of inequality emerge within this highly competitive (and potentially global) labor market.
Drawing on empirical case studies from sports, visual arts, and music, the seminar highlights how migration pathways intersect with identity, By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of how mobility functions both as a professional strategy and a structural constraint within entertainment labor markets.
Students are expected to read the texts each week, prepare questions, and actively participate in discussions during class.
An interest in and knowledge of migration theories and economic sociology would be helpful, but are not essential.
| Rhythmus | Tag | Uhrzeit | Format / Ort | Zeitraum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Do | 16-18 | S1-213 | 16.04.-23.07.2026 |
Die verbindlichen Modulbeschreibungen enthalten weitere Informationen, auch zu den "Leistungen" und ihren Anforderungen. Sind mehrere "Leistungsformen" möglich, entscheiden die jeweiligen Lehrenden darüber.
A basic knowledge of economic sociology and/or the sociology of work is indispensable for a successful participation in this course. Therefore, participants should either have successfully completed an introductory course in economic sociology or the sociology of work, or have carefully read through an introductory book.
The following text books represent suitable introductions:
Grint, Keith; Nixon, Darren (2015): The sociology of work. 4th edition. Cambridge: Polity Press
Swedberg, Richard (2009). Principles of Economic Sociology. Princeton University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvcm4g75