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PHD in Informal Sector Labour Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Informal Sector & Labour Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi?
This Informal Sector & Labour Studies PhD program at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) focuses on critical research into the dynamics of work, employment, and livelihoods, particularly in the context of developing economies like India. It examines the complexities of the informal economy, labour policies, social security, and the challenges faced by diverse labour groups, providing a nuanced understanding of India''''s vast and heterogeneous workforce. The program is distinctive for its interdisciplinary approach within social sciences, addressing contemporary issues.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for M.Phil. or Master’s degree holders in Social Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Development Studies, or related fields who possess a strong academic record and a keen interest in conducting rigorous, original research on labour issues. It caters to aspiring academics, policy analysts, researchers in think tanks, and professionals seeking advanced expertise to inform policy-making and advocacy concerning labour welfare and informal sector dynamics in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as faculty in universities, researchers in national and international organizations (e.g., ILO, UNDP, academic institutions), policy advisors for government bodies, or experts in non-governmental organizations working on labour rights and development. While specific salary ranges for PhDs vary widely based on sector, entry-level academic positions in India typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience and publications. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills highly valued in academia and research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Literature Review- (Semester 1-2 (Coursework Phase))
Thoroughly engage with coursework, particularly Research Methodology, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Concurrently, conduct an exhaustive literature review in your chosen research area, identifying gaps and potential contributions. Attend departmental seminars and workshops on academic writing and citation management.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, Zotero/Mendeley, JNU Library resources, Departmental workshops
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is crucial for any research career, enabling you to design and execute robust studies, a key skill for academics and policy researchers.
Engage with Faculty and Fellow Researchers- (Semester 1-2 (Coursework Phase))
Actively participate in discussions during coursework and seek regular consultations with your assigned supervisor and other faculty members at CISLS. Attend research presentations by senior PhD scholars and faculty to understand ongoing research trajectories and refine your own research interests. Build a peer network for collaborative learning and feedback.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor meetings, Centre/School seminars, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Networking within academia is vital for future collaborations, postdoctoral opportunities, and staying abreast of developments in your field. It helps in gaining diverse perspectives for your research.
Develop a Strong Research Proposal- (End of Semester 1 / Start of Semester 2)
Utilize the knowledge gained from coursework and literature review to formulate a well-defined, original, and feasible research proposal. Present it to the departmental research committee for constructive feedback and refine it diligently. This is a critical step towards thesis work.
Tools & Resources
JNU PhD Ordinance guidelines, Sample proposals (if available), Supervisor guidance
Career Connection
A compelling research proposal showcases your ability to identify a significant research problem and plan a rigorous study, which is essential for securing research grants and academic positions.
Intermediate Stage
Conduct Fieldwork/Primary Data Collection (If applicable)- (Year 2-3)
Based on your approved research proposal, meticulously plan and execute your primary data collection. This may involve surveys, interviews, ethnographic studies, or case studies within India''''s informal sector. Ensure ethical guidelines are strictly adhered to. Regularly update your supervisor on progress and challenges.
Tools & Resources
Interview guides, Questionnaires, Data recording tools, JNU Ethics Committee guidelines, Travel resources (if required for fieldwork in India)
Career Connection
Hands-on experience in data collection, especially in the unique context of India''''s labour markets, significantly enhances your research credibility and employability in research roles requiring primary data skills.
Deep Dive into Secondary Data and Policy Analysis- (Year 2-4)
Complement primary research with extensive analysis of secondary data (e.g., NSSO, PLFS, ASI, Census of India) and relevant labour laws and policies. Understand how national and state-level policies impact the informal sector and labour. This enriches the contextual understanding of your research.
Tools & Resources
NSSO reports, Ministry of Labour & Employment publications, Economic Survey of India, RBI data, IndiaStat, Statistical software (R, Stata, SPSS)
Career Connection
Proficiency in analyzing large datasets and policy documents is highly valued by government agencies, international organizations, and policy think tanks, opening up avenues in policy research and advocacy.
Present Research at Conferences and Workshops- (Year 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to present your preliminary findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars. This helps in receiving diverse feedback, refining arguments, and gaining visibility within the academic community. Prioritize events focused on labour studies or South Asian contexts.
Tools & Resources
Call for papers from academic bodies, Conference travel grants, Presentation software
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences is crucial for academic profile building, networking with leading scholars, and developing strong communication skills – all vital for an academic career in India and globally.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Quality Thesis Writing and Publication- (Year 4-5)
Dedicate significant time to writing a comprehensive, well-structured, and original doctoral thesis. Aim to publish parts of your research in peer-reviewed journals before or immediately after thesis submission. Collaborate with your supervisor on refining manuscripts for publication.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Citation style manuals, Journal databases (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science), JNU Thesis guidelines
Career Connection
A strong publication record is paramount for securing faculty positions, postdoctoral fellowships, and research grants in India and globally, demonstrating your contribution to knowledge.
Prepare for Viva Voce and Post-PhD Career- (Year 5-6)
Thoroughly prepare for your viva voce examination by anticipating questions, understanding your thesis arguments deeply, and practicing presentations. Simultaneously, start exploring academic job markets, postdoctoral opportunities, and research positions. Prepare your CV and cover letters tailored to specific applications.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions, Career guidance cells (if available), Academic job portals
Career Connection
A successful viva marks the culmination of your PhD, opening doors to advanced research and academic roles. Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition into the desired professional path.
Cultivate a Global Perspective and Interdisciplinary Engagement- (Throughout PhD, particularly Year 4-6)
Continuously engage with global debates in labour studies and the informal sector, attending international webinars, joining online research networks, and exploring interdisciplinary approaches. This expands your research horizons and enhances your ability to address complex socio-economic challenges.
Tools & Resources
International Labour Organization (ILO) resources, World Bank reports, Global academic forums, Interdisciplinary workshops
Career Connection
A global and interdisciplinary outlook makes you a more versatile and sought-after researcher, capable of contributing to diverse projects and bridging academic disciplines and international policy contexts.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- M.Phil. Degree/a 2 year Master’s Degree with 55% marks in the cognate subject. For SC/ST/OBC (Non creamy Layer)/Persons with Disability (PwD) categories, the qualifying marks shall be 50%.
Duration: 3-6 years
Credits: Minimum 8, Maximum 16 credits for the coursework phase (thesis research credits are not specified in a typical course format) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD RM001 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Social Sciences Research, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, Research Design, Sampling, and Data Collection, Statistical Tools for Social Research, Ethics in Research and Academic Writing |
| PHD ISL001 | Informal Sector and Labour Studies | Specialized Elective | 4 | Theories of Informal Economy, Labour Market Segmentation, Global Production Networks and Labour, Policy Debates on Informal Labour in India, Precarious Work and Labour Rights |
| PHD GL001 | Gender and Labour | Specialized Elective | 4 | Feminist Political Economy of Work, Gendered Division of Labour, Women in Informal and Gig Economy, Care Economy and Unpaid Work, Gender, Migration, and Labour Policies |
| PHD STL001 | Social Theory and Labour | Specialized Elective | 4 | Classical and Contemporary Labour Theories, Capitalism and Labour Process, Post-Fordism and Neo-Liberalism, Labour Movements and Trade Unionism, Concepts of Precarity and Labour |
| PHD AL001 | Agrarian Labour | Specialized Elective | 4 | Rural Labour Markets in India, Caste and Agrarian Labour Relations, Rural-Urban Migration and Labour, Agricultural Wage Labour Dynamics, Non-Farm Rural Employment |
| PHD IR001 | Industrial Relations | Specialized Elective | 4 | Theories of Industrial Relations, Labour Law and Regulations in India, Collective Bargaining and Industrial Disputes, Trade Unions in India''''s Context, State and Industrial Relations |
