SOCW09009 2022 Sociological Perspectives for Social Work

General Details

Full Title
Sociological Perspectives for Social Work
Transcript Title
Sociological Perspectives for
Code
SOCW09009
Attendance
100 %
Subject Area
SOCW - Social Work
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
09 - NFQ Level 9
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Maire Hanniffy, Brenda Feeney
Programme Membership
SG_WSOWO_M09 202200 Master of Arts in Social Work
Description

This module explores the sociological basis of childhood, family and the life course. Within this module, students are encouraged to think critically, and understand the influences on people in society, whilst also exploring agency. Core to this module is an exploration of; the plurality of childhood experiences across time and space; change in families in terms of structure and behaviour; the life course approach; and power and oppression in society. This module provides the context for social work practice and supports students to identify the driving and restraining forces for change in people's lives. It links with modules on social work theory such as systems theory and social work skills such as anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice.

This module supports the achievement of the following CORU Standards of Proficiency:

  • Domain 1: Professional Autonomy and Accountability

  • Domain 2: Communication, Collaborative Practice and Teamworking

  • Domain 3: Safety and Quality

  • Domain 4: Professional Development

  • Domain 5: Professional Knowledge and Skills 

Learning Outcomes

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

1.

Assess childhood from a sociological perspective and explain the impact of this on social work practices. (Domains 1.9; 1.10; 2.2; 2.9; 2.12; 3.1; 3.4;  3.6;  4.4; 5.1; 5.3; 5.5; 5.7; 5.15; 5.16; 5.24)

2.

Evaluate family from a sociological perspective and explain the impact of this on social work practices (Domains  1.9; 1.10; 2.2; 2.9; 2.12; 3.1; 3.4; 3.6; 4.4; 5.1; 5.3; 5.5; 5.7; 5.15; 5.16; 5.24).

3.

Appraise the life course approach from a sociological perspective (Domains 1.9; 1.10; 2.3; 2.4; 2.12; 3.1; 3.4; 3.6; 4.4; 5.1; 5.3; 5.5; 5.6; 5.15).

4.

Scrutinise the concept of power and apply this to the social work context (Domains 1.3; 1.5; 1.8; 1.9; 1.10; 2.1; 2.3; 2.4; 2.9; 2.12; 3.6; 4.4; 5.1; 5.3; 5.5; 5.7; 5.10; 5.12; 5.13; 5.15; 5.16; 5.17; 5.24).

5.

Critically analyse intersectionality as a framework for working in an anti-oppressive manner in social work (Domains 1.3; 1.5; 1.8; 1.9; 1.10; 2.1; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4; 2.5; 2.9; 2.12; 3.1; 3.6; 4.4; 5.1; 5.3; 5.5; 5.6; 5.7; 5.10; 5.12; 5.13; 5.15; 5.16; 5.17; 5.24).

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching and learning in this module are based on weekly online lectures, and participation in blog discussions of a series of readings and case studies in order to understand the contribution of a sociological perspective to the work of social workers.

This is a blended module: 2.5 hour online lectures will be delivered weekly and an onsite workshop (seminar) will take place near the end of the semester. 

Module Assessment Strategies

Assessment of this module requires students to demonstrate an advanced understanding and application of sociological perspectives.

Assessment 1: 60% A project that explores the theoretical perspectives of childhood, family and the life course and how this all can affect their social work practice (Domains 1.9; 1.10; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4; 2.9; 2.12; 3.1; 3.4; 3.6; 4.4; 5.1; 5.3; 5.5; 5.6; 5.7; 5.15; 5.16; 5.24).

Assessment 2: 40% In-class presentation of an analysis of case studies based on intersectionality. This will require a thorough examination of social power, social work practices and interventions applied in each case (Domain 1.3; 1.5; 1.8; 1.9; 1.10; 2.1; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4; 2.5; 2.9; 2.12; 3.1; 3.6; 4.4; 5.1; 5.3; 5.5; 5.6; 5.7; 5.10; 5.12; 5.13; 5.15; 5.16; 5.17; 5.24)

Students must pass both assessments in order to pass the module.

Repeat Assessments

Repeat assessment will be based on failed components.

Indicative Syllabus

LO1: Assess childhood from a sociological perspective and explain the impact of this on social work practices.

  • The social construction approach to the study of childhood: dominant discourses of childhood in western societies: implications for children's lives and social work practices
  • Discourses about children in social work literature that polarises children as either 'innocent victims' at risk from abusive parents or 'out-of-control' and in need of restraint (Stainton-Rogers and Stainton-Rogers 1992) 
  • Historical and cultural constructions of 'childhood' and 'children'
  • Analysing legislative and policy developments from a sociological perspective including an examination of the enactment of the UNCRC and Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, 2014-2020

LO2: Evaluate family from a sociological perspective and explain the impact of this on social work practices.

  • Theorising family: Functionalist, Marxist, Weberian, Conflict, Symbolic Interactionism, Feminist, modern and post-modern perspectives
  • Family Life in Ireland
  • The 'problem family' 
  • Debates about 'family values'
  • Analysing legislative and policy developments from a sociological perspective including an examination of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015

LO3: Appraise the life course approach from a sociological perspective.

  • Examination of socialisation from the 'old' sociology and 'new' sociology perspective
  • The life course approach (Elder)
  • Life transitions: marriage, retirement
  • Social construction of ageing
  • Ageism
  • Agency

LO4: Scrutinise the concept of power and apply this to the social work context

  • Perspectives on power (Lukes, Foucault, Mead, Butler)
  • The self and social work
  • State intervention within the family
  • Exploring structure and agency as central tenets in sociology and how the tensions between these are manifest in people's lives
  • Deviance and Resistance 

LO5: Critically analyse intersectionality as a framework for working in an anti-oppressive manner in social work

  • Privilege and Oppression
  • Five faces of Oppression (Young, 1990)
  • Intersectionality
  • Matrix of Domination (Collins)
  • Coalition movements

Implications for Social Work across all learning outcomes

  • Exploring how the sociological approach supports the social worker in understanding the lives of the clients they work with eg children as 'social problem's and the 'problem family'
  • Supporting social workers to understand their own childhood and family, their 'model' of society, and how this may differ from their clients'
  • Recognise how lives are influenced at the micro and macro level
  • Exploring how their knowledge of the impact of social issues such as poverty and social exclusion informs the social work practice.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Project Coursework Assessment Assessment 60 % Week 10 1,2,3
2 Presentation Coursework Assessment Assessment 40 % Week 12 4,5
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Workshop / Seminar Flat Classroom Seminar 6 Once Per Module 0.40
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent Learning 4.5 Weekly 4.50
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 0.40 Hours

Online Learning Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Online Lecture Distance Learning Suite Online Lecture 2.5 Weekly 2.50
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.50 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2019-08-23 Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory Duke University Press
ISBN 9781478007098 ISBN-13 1478007095

In Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory Patricia Hill Collins offers a set of analytical tools for those wishing to develop intersectionality's capability to theorize social inequality in ways that would facilitate social change. While intersectionality helps shed light on contemporary social issues, Collins notes that it has yet to reach its full potential as a critical social theory. She contends that for intersectionality to fully realize its power, its practitioners must critically reflect on its assumptions, epistemologies, and methods. She places intersectionality in dialog with several theoretical traditionsfrom the Frankfurt school to black feminist thoughtto sharpen its definition and foreground its singular critical purchase, thereby providing a capacious interrogation into intersectionality's potential to reshape the world.

Recommended Reading
1999 Reading Foucault for Social Work Columbia University Press
ISBN 023110717X ISBN-13 9780231107174

A book-length introduction to the work of Michel Foucault in social work. Each chapter of the text emphasizes different notions from Foucault's writings. Contributions include conceptual, philosophical, and methodological considerations, and discussions from various fields and levels of practice.

Required Reading
2020-11-02 Sociology and Social Work Learning Matters Limited
ISBN 1526464292 ISBN-13 9781526464293

Sociological perspectives can be used to analyse societal and structural influences on human behaviour at individual, group and community levels. The authors link sociological concepts, debates and theories relating to key areas such as poverty, social exclusion, education, social class and social justice to develop your students understanding of how sociological perspectives will impact upon their social work placements and practice.

Required Reading
2011 Sociology for Social Work An Introduction. London: Sage.

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

Ciabattari, T. (2017) Sociology of Families: Change, Continuity and Diversity. California: Sage Publications.

Dunk-West, P. (2014) ‘Social Work Identity, Power and Selfhood: A Re-imagining’ in Cocker, C. & Hafford-Letchfield, T. (eds) Rethinking Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Oppressive Theories for Social Work Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Gray, J., Geraghty, R., and Ralph, D. (2016) Family Rhythms: The Changing Texture of Family Life in Ireland. Manchester University Press.

Green, L. (2017) Understanding the Life Course Sociological and Psychological Perspectives. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Green, L. & Featherstone, B. (2014) ‘Judith Butler, Power and Social Work’ in Cocker, C. & Hafford-Letchfield, T. (eds) Rethinking Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Oppressive Theories for Social Work Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

James, A., Jenks, C. & Prout, A. (1998) Theorizing Childhood. Cambridge: Cambridge Polity.

Morrow, M. (2011) Understanding Children and Childhood. New South Wales: Southern Cross University.

Svallfors, S. (2005) Analyzing Inequality: Life Chances And Social Mobility In Comparative Perspective. California: Stanford University Press.

Journal Resources

The Journal of Social Work

Child and Family Social Work

Social Work Education

Irish Journal of Sociology

British Journal of Social Work

URL Resources

 

 

Other Resources
Additional Information