SOC06011 2022 Key Issues in Sociology: Inequality and social exclusion

General Details

Full Title
Key Issues in Sociology: Inequality and social exclusion
Transcript Title
Key Issues in Sociology: Inequ
Code
SOC06011
Attendance
01 %
Subject Area
SOC - Sociology
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Ailise McDowell, Susan McDonnell
Programme Membership
SG_HJOIN_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology and Politics SG_WENGL_H08 202400 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and Politics
Description

This module introduces students to key themes in Sociology, focusing on debates and perspectives around issues of inequality and social exclusion in contemporary society. Sociological concepts and theories will be applied to the analysis of a range of social phenomena. Further, principles of intersectionality will provide a lens for understanding multidimensional influences of social locations in people’s experiences of privilege and oppression.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Understand selected sociological theories relevant to the study of inequality and social exclusion

2.

Apply sociological perspectives to some contemporary societal issues and debates

3.

Evaluate academic and popular debates on social inequality and exclusion

4.

Discuss the importance of representation and resistance in establishing/ challenging power structures

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The module will be delivered using lectures, class discussions, problem-based learning.

Module Assessment Strategies

There are two assessment components for this module:

  1. Reflective journal 50% Weeks 1 to 15. This will inform class discussions, which will allow for peer learning and formative feedback.
  2. Group poster or media project with individual written component. 

Repeat Assessments

Project comparable to Continuous Assessment components described above.

Indicative Syllabus

Understand selected sociological theories relevant to the study of inequality and social exclusion

  • Stratification: Marx, Weber, Durkheim
  • Ideology, language and practices: Gramsci, Foucault, Bourdieu

Evaluate academic and popular debates on social inequality and exclusion

  • What should equality look like? Lynch, Baker, Fraser
  • Why do social inequalities exist?

Apply sociological perspectives to some contemporary societal issues and debates

  • Social exclusion, discrimination
  • Race
  • Disability
  • Travellers in Ireland and health inequalities

Discuss the importance of representation and resistance in establishing/ challenging power structures

  • Representation, power and resistance

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Reflective journal Coursework Assessment Written Report/Essay 50 % OnGoing 1,2
2 Poster/ media Project Project Group Project 50 % Week 8 3,4
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Tiered Classroom Lecture 2 Weekly 2.00
Tutorial Flat Classroom Tutorial 1 Weekly 1.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent learning 3 Weekly 3.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

Abbott, S. and McConkey, R. (2006)The barriers to social inclusion as perceived by people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities  10(3) 275‒287

Arnold, S. (2012) State Sanctioned Child Poverty and Exclusion The case of children in state accommodation for asylum seekers. Refugee Council

Baker, J. (2009) Liberal equality versus equality of condition : conflicting definitions of equality and their implications for community development. Ó Broin, D. and Kirby, P. (eds). Power, Dissent and Democracy: Civil Society and the State in Ireland

Baumann, Z. and May, T. (2001) Thinking Sociologically

Bourdieu, P. (1986). “The Forms of Capital.” Pp. 241-258 in Handbook of Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education, edited by J. G. Richardson. New York: Greenwood Press.

Crenshaw, B. (1995) Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, identity politics and violence against women of color. In Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings that formed the movement. New York, New York Press

Fraser, N. (1998). Social justice in the age of identity politics: redistribution, recognition, participation (Discussion Papers / Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung, Forschungsschwerpunkt Arbeitsmarkt und Beschäftigung, Abteilung Organisation und Beschäftigung, 98-108). Berlin

Haralambos, M. and Holborn, M. (2013) Sociology: Themes and Perspectives. HarperCollins Publishers Limited

McTernan,E.,O’Neill,M., Schemmel, C. and Schuppert,F. (2016) If you care about social equality, you want a big state Home, work, care and social egalitarianism. Juncture \ Volume 23 \ ISSUE 2

Marx, K. and Engels, F. (1848) Manifesto of the Communist Party

Olin Wright, E. (2006) COMPASS POINTS Towards a Socialist Alternative. new left review 41

Oxfam (2021) The Inequality Virus

Wickham, J. (2017) Cherishing All Equally: Economic inequality in Ireland. TASC

Journal Resources
URL Resources
Other Resources
Additional Information

None.