Social Inequalities: Causes, Patterns and Change
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI2042 | Sociology and Social Policy | 2 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- SOCI2042
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The module provides an overview of socio-economic inequalities within and between societies, exploring major theoretical and practical issues regarding data analysis and policy evaluation. The module will explore theoretical perspectives and major areas of inequalities. This will gain insights into the nature of the inequalities involved but also their intersectionality. All these aspects are discussed on the basis of a range of case studies, both national and international, historical and based on current affairs. These are also used to examine different approaches to evidence analysis and data presentation, thus supporting the development of the specific skills necessary to undertake the module assessment.
Target Students
Available only to Level 2 students on programmes in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, students on the BA Liberal Arts and Exchange students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 40% Individual Presentation: 10 minutes.
- 60% Coursework: 2,500 words.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to provide students with an overall understanding of socio-economic inequalities, their construction, reproduction and impact (at individual, group and societal level). Major theoretical issues are discussed by examining concrete case studies, informed by an analysis of research and policy evidence. Differences over time and across space are explored to provide an appreciation of changing trends and alternative models. By encouraging participants to critical examine the connections between theory and practice with a particular focus on case studies of their choice, the module aims to enhance the students’ ability to build arguments, answer complex questions and inform decision making processes on the basis of data analysis and evaluation. By providing an overall introduction to some major types and patterns of inequality within society, the module represents a good basis to some of the specialised level 3 modules (e.g., ‘Families and Social Divisions’).Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module, students should have acquired:
Knowledge and Understanding
- A critical understanding of key social division and inequalities and the relationships between them.
- A critical understanding of the social and policy processes leading to the social construction and reproduction of inequalities.
- Knowledge of some major trends and patterns of inequality at local, national and international level.
Intellectual Skills
- An ability to engage critically with academic debates and literature regarding socio-economic inequalities.
- An ability to identify and assess evidence to inform an argument.
Professional and Practical Skills
- An ability to analyse complex information in a clear and effective manner.
- Transferable IT skills including: information retrieval from electronic sources; data organisation; word processing; visual presentations.