SPbU experts discuss preserving safe working values in the neoliberal era
At the IX St Petersburg International Labour Forum SPbU experts participated in the conference "Education, Management and Human Resources as Capital’s Social Dimension: Preserving Safe Working Values". Participants examined the transformation of approaches to labour, education and social policy in the modern economic systems.
Presentations were delivered by SPbU Professors Maria Rubtsova (Department of Social Management and Planning) and Elena Tarando (Department of Economic Sociology).
Maria Rubtsova analysed the impact of neoliberal ideology on understanding labour, and structural changes in employment patterns. She argued that occupational safety concept is being displaced by market efficiency paradigm, where human worth is measured by productivity. "Education is more often considered as a service in the market place rather than a public good, and that situation affects the entire spectrum of labour relations," the expert emphasised.
Professor Tarando complemented this analysis by discussing economic stability and social responsibility issues. She pointed out that as digitalisation and demographic shifts reshape the labour market, it is crucial not only to adapt but also to protect fundamental values such as workers’ health, safety, and well-being.
It is crucial to retain connection of education and administration systems to social mission.
Elena Tarando, SPbU Professor at the Department of Economic Sociology
Conference participants addressed the phenomenon of "individualised responsibility" in modern labour markets, when workers increasingly face occupational risks alone without adequate support from either employers or government. The discussions further examined gender disparities in high-stress professions requiring exceptional responsibility.
The presentations delivered by experts from St Petersburg University evoked ready response in the audience and served as a starting point for further discussion on preserving social justice and ensuring decent working conditions in a rapidly changing world.
The event established itself as an important platform for academic and professional dialogue on the future of labour relations, where University’s positions are being acknowledged as a significant contribution to both public and academic discourse.