Social Analysis

This module introduces the student to social analysis and the application of sociological perspectives to analyse and understand the effect and impact of contemporary society on the individual and groups.

Students study sociological analysis as it is applied to real world issues. These issues are examined through the application of theoretical frameworks such as Functionalist, Interactionist, Marxist, Feminist and Postmodernist perspectives. These frameworks are then expanded upon and applied to the role of the state, social inequality, the family, education, health, mass media, gender and ethnicity and their impact on the individual and groups within society.

Learning outcomes

• View the social world in a new way and understand the impact of social theory on everyday life
• Understand the many ways in which society impacts on the formation of individual identity
• Relate social theory to practice and in particular how different sociological concepts and paradigms impact on contemporary social issues
• Analyse, evaluate and assess complex social issues and critically reflect upon understandings derived from social analysis
• Critically reflect on the society in which we live

Content areas

• Introduction to social analysis and social science concepts
• Theoretical perspectives on society and change
• Power and the state
• Mass media and communications
• Social inequality
• Sex and gender
• Race and ethnicity
• Family, health and education
• Employment and poverty
• A changing world