Work and Employment for a Sustainable Future from edX

National economies have grown substantially since the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century yet people have not necessarily seen an increase in opportunities to find decent work or earn a decent income. In fact, in some places, the increased productivity and rising profits associated with automation have directly impacted the availability of decent jobs. According to the International Labour Organization, more than 204 million people were unemployed in 2015, and more than 600 million new jobs are needed by 2030 just to keep pace with the growth of the working-age population. We also need to improve working conditions for the 780 million women and men who are employed but not earning enough to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. In addressing these core issues we will not only see increasing decent work opportunities but also more robust, inclusive and poverty-reducing growth.

This course explores the past and future of work in the context of the SDGs, particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. It examines the state of income and employment around the world, barriers to employment, policies to promote economic opportunity, and the future of work in our rapidly changing world. Encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation are key to achieving the SDGs, as are effective measures to eradicate forced labour, slavery and human trafficking. With these targets in mind, the world can achieve full and productive employment and decent work, for all women and men, by 2030.

This seven-module massive open online course (MOOC) provides an in-depth look at the issues of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The topics covered include structural shifts in economies and work; informality, gender and child labor, the modern welfare state; the future of work, and more. The course concludes with a special module by the ILO on realizing decent work for all and achieving SDG 8.

This course is for:

Policy professionals who want to understand frameworks for SDG planning

Development practitioners seeking knowledge on goals-based development

Advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in economics, development, and other key concepts related to the SDGs

What's inside

Learning objectives

The link between employment, work, income and wealth
Global perspectives on changes to formal employment
The challenges of child labor, gender disparity and informal employment
Modern welfare state and novel policy instruments

Structural and institutional models for the future of work
Artificial intelligence and the future of work
What it takes to achieve sdg 8 and realize decent work for all, featured in a special module by the ilo.

The link between employment, work, income and wealth
Global perspectives on changes to formal employment
The challenges of child labor, gender disparity and informal employment
Modern welfare state and novel policy instruments
Structural and institutional models for the future of work
Artificial intelligence and the future of work
What it takes to achieve sdg 8 and realize decent work for all, featured in a special module by the ilo.

Syllabus

Module 1: Decent Work for Sustainable Development

Introduction to SDG 8

Employment, Decent Work and Social Justice for Sustainability

Link between Employment, Work, Income and Wealth

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Presents a well-rounded view of the past, present, and future of work

Emphasizes the connection between decent work, economic growth, and poverty reduction

Offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing employment, including informal employment, gender inequality, and child labor

Provides an in-depth analysis of the future of work, particularly the impact of technology and automation

Features a special module developed by the International Labour Organization on achieving decent work for all

Reviews summary

Comprehensive overview of sustainable work and sdg 8

According to learners, "Work and Employment for a Sustainable Future" offers a comprehensive overview of SDG 8, focusing on decent work and economic growth. Many appreciate its relevance and timely content, especially the insights into automation, AI, and global labor challenges. The course is highlighted for providing a strong foundational understanding, particularly for policy professionals and development practitioners. While generally receiving positive reception, some students noted that certain sections were theoretical and could benefit from more practical case studies or interactive elements to enhance engagement and application, suggesting a mix of strengths and areas for potential refinement.

Clear explanations and well-structured modules, though some suggest more interactivity.

"The instructors presented complex topics clearly. It helped me connect the dots between global economic trends and social justice."

"The information is valuable, but the course format felt a bit traditional. I think it would benefit from updated visuals or more diverse presentation styles."

"I found some lectures a bit dry, and the material, while relevant, could have benefited from more interactive elements."

Highly beneficial for policy and development professionals and students.

"Highly recommend for anyone interested in development and economics."

"The policy response section was very useful for my work."

"Overall, it provided a strong foundational understanding for professionals like me."

Offers broad and timely insights into global labor challenges.

"Excellent course, very comprehensive and up-to-date with current challenges in labor markets and sustainability."

"Relevant and timely content. The discussions on informality and gender were eye-opening."

"This course gave me a holistic view of sustainable development goals, especially SDG 8. Clear explanations and well-structured."

Balances theory with some practical examples, could deepen application.

"Some parts felt a bit theoretical, and I would have liked more concrete case studies beyond the one on modern slavery."

"A bit too academic for my taste... Not enough practical examples for policy implementation, mainly theoretical discussions."

"Good for an overview but might need supplementary reading for deeper practical application."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Work and Employment for a Sustainable Future with these activities:

Review key concepts from previous courses that are relevant to this course

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Refreshing your knowledge of key concepts will help you build a strong foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Economics

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Identify key concepts from previous courses
Review your notes
Take practice quizzes

Watch video tutorials on topics related to the course

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Watching video tutorials can be a great way to learn new concepts and skills.

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Find video tutorials on topics related to the course
Watch the tutorials
Take notes

Review Jeffrey D. Sachs, The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time

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Reviewing Sachs' book will provide a strong foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities of economic development, a key theme in this course.

View A New Foreign Policy: Beyond American... on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes on the main arguments
Write a short summary of the book

Six other activities

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Participate in a study group or online forum to discuss the course material

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Engaging with other students will help you understand the material more deeply and identify areas where you need further study.

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Find a study group or online forum
Participate in discussions
Ask questions
Answer questions

Compile a list of articles and resources on the future of work

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Creating a compilation of resources will help you stay up-to-date on the latest thinking about the future of work and its implications for the economy and society.

Browse courses on Future of Work

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Search for articles and resources on the future of work
Read the articles and resources
Summarize the key findings of each article or resource
Organize the summaries into a coherent list

Practice solving problems related to income inequality and poverty

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Practicing problem-solving will help you develop the skills you need to analyze and address these complex issues.

Browse courses on Income Inequality

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks
Solve the problems
Check your answers

Develop a project proposal for a research project on a topic related to the course

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Working on a project will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting.

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Identify a research question
Develop a research design
Write a project proposal

Organize and review your notes, assignments, and quizzes

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Keeping your materials organized will help you stay on track and prepare for exams.

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Organize your notes
Review your assignments
Take practice quizzes

Develop a policy brief on a topic related to the course

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Writing a policy brief will help you develop your analytical and writing skills, and it will help you to share your knowledge with policymakers.

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Identify a policy issue
Research the issue
Develop policy recommendations
Write a policy brief

Career center

Learners who complete Work and Employment for a Sustainable Future will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Development Consultant

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Development Economist

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Actuary

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Economist

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Business Analyst

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Labor Economist

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Environmental Economist

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Policy Analyst

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Consultant

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Social Entrepreneur

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Data Analyst

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Financial Analyst

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Market Researcher

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Program Manager

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Human Resources Manager

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