301050 Migration, Mobility, and Making it: Theoretical Perspectives on Transnational Careers of Athletes and Artists (S) (SoSe 2026)
Contents, comment
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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.
Requirements for participation, required level
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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.
Teaching staff
Dates ( Calendar view )
| Frequency | Weekday | Time | Format / Place | Period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| weekly | Do | 16-18 | S1-213 | 16.04.-23.07.2026 |
Subject assignments
| Module | Course | Requirements | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-M-Soz-M4a Sociology of Work and Economics a Arbeits- und Wirtschaftssoziologie a | Seminar 1 | Study requirement
|
Student information |
| Seminar 2 | Study requirement
|
Student information | |
| - | Graded examination | Student information | |
| 30-M-Soz-M4b Sociology of Work and Economics b Arbeits- und Wirtschaftssoziologie b | Seminar 1 | Study requirement
|
Student information |
| Seminar 2 | Study requirement
|
Student information | |
| - | Graded examination | Student information | |
| 30-M-Soz-M4c Sociology of Work and Economics c Arbeits- und Wirtschaftssoziologie c | Seminar 1 | Study requirement
|
Student information |
| Seminar 2 | Study requirement
|
Student information | |
| - | Graded examination | Student information | |
| 30-WS-GTI Global Trade and Inequality Globaler Handel und Ungleichheit | Research seminar | Study requirement
Graded examination |
Student information |
| 30-WS-WSL World Society and Law Weltgesellschaft und Recht | Research seminar | Study requirement
Graded examination |
Student information |
The binding module descriptions contain further information, including specifications on the "types of assignments" students need to complete. In cases where a module description mentions more than one kind of assignment, the respective member of the teaching staff will decide which task(s) they assign the students.
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
- Address:
- SS2026_301050@ekvv.uni-bielefeld.de
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- Notes:
- Additional notes on the electronic mailing lists
- Last update basic details/teaching staff:
- Thursday, November 13, 2025
- Last update times:
- Monday, February 16, 2026
- Last update rooms:
- Monday, February 16, 2026
- Type(s) / SWS (hours per week per semester)
- seminar (S) / 2
- Language
- This lecture is taught in english
- Department
- Faculty of Sociology
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