...Sociology Homework – Monday 28/09/2015 by Maria Taravkova. Evaluate the view that factors and processes within the school are the main cause of differences in the educational achievement of different social groups (20 marks) * Decode = The meanings of encoding/decoding, it is how media messages are produced, circulated and consumed by the nation, proposing a new theory of communication. Stuart Hall (cultural theorist) argued that the meaning is not fixed or determined by the sender, the message is never transparent. There is a “ lack of fit “ between the moment of the production of the message ( which is referred to as ENCODING ) and the moment of its reception ( which is referred to as DECODING ). The meaning of the text is located between the producer and the reader. The producer – encoder ‘ encoded ‘ meaning in a certain way, while the reader decoder – ‘ decodes ‘ it differently according to his/her personal background, beliefs and values. * Interactionists Labelling Theory = ‘ Interactionism ‘ is a sociological perspective that focuses on a small-scale interactions between individuals and groups. And ‘ Labelling Theory ‘ is the theory of how the self-identity – ( what someone thinks of themselves. E.g what they are, who they are e.t.c ) and behaviour of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them. As we are talking about ‘ Interactionists Labelling Theory ‘ meaning that the only relevant meaning in this case...
Words: 2320 - Pages: 10
...population. They govern many areas of social life such as educations and health and aim to address social problems such as racism and youth offending. Giddens (2001) states that there are four benefits to studying sociology which make up why it informs social policy. Firstly, sociological study can develop understanding of social situations both factually, allowing development of judgement or theory, and theoretically, enabling us to provide and explanation as to why something is happening. Secondly, it can inform policymakers of perspectives that are different from their own, such as the awareness of cultural differences, from this discrimination can be combatted, for example, governments have tackled discrimination against disability and ethnic minorities through social policy. Thirdly, sociological research helps to assess the results of policy initiatives, all government initiatives require evidence that programmes they have put into place are working. Finally, sociology may generate greater self-understanding, this knowledge allows people to reflect upon their experiences of life which may lead to questioning of government policies and creation of protest groups with non-government initiatives enabling people to liberate themselves, for example sociology has shown the extent to which homosexuals have been discriminated, as a result the gay community demanded gay rights, showing that they were empowered by this knowledge and allowing them to do something to change social...
Words: 920 - Pages: 4
...Education I’m interested in education aspect of sociology. The literal definition of education is as simple as such; the field of study that deals mainly with methods of teaching and learning in schools. Education is the simplest form of success. The saying that goes as the following, “Knowledge is Power” is the absolute truth. Without knowledge or and education of any type, failure is sure to come. The social issue of education fits into the field of sociology simply because there are so many different opinions on education. Sociology is the science of society, and social relationships. Specifically the systematic study of the development, interaction, structure, and accumulative behavior of organized groups of human beings. Some believe the education regiments of today are way to forthright, and force certain career paths. When in other opinions difference lays, others think education isn’t what it used to be. Most think education has slipped throughout the years to fit the liberal ways of equality. Education in the 21st century has changed drastically compared to the teaching techniques of the ladder years. According to Murphey, “In today’s world, the average student is bombarded with essays, problem sets, tests, quizzes, and any other assignment thinkable. In fact, he staggers so greatly under the heavy pile of papers on his desk to be completed each night, that school becomes a battle, not a place of personal and communal enrichment.” In other words, the education...
Words: 436 - Pages: 2
...To explain the role of education we need to look at education through different theories, a theory is a way of looking at the world. Within Sociology there are a number of theories, these include; Functionalism, Marxism, Interactionism, Feminism and Post-modern theory. Functionalists believe that society is made up of four parts; the Economy, the family, decision making and education. They believe that each part functions for the good of the whole. French Sociologist Emile Durkheim defined the major function of education from a Functionalist view as “the transmission of society’s norms and values”, the role of education is to socialise children into these norms and values which include behaviour, discipline, respect and manners (Haralambo and Holborn, 2008). The functionalist approach argues that education has three functions, it teaches the skills needed in work whether these are general or specific skills, it socialises young people into key cultural values needed to maintain society and it allocates people to the most appropriate jobs using examinations and qualifications. Functionalists put an emphasis on positive aspects of schools such as socialisation and the learning of skills and attitudes. Schools have rules and regulations and a system of reward and punishment such as stickers for good behaviour and detention for mis-behaviour. American sociologist Parson defines education as a system that selects children into the most appropriate roles because it is “Meritocratic”...
Words: 1078 - Pages: 5
...Assess the relationship between Social Policy and Sociology. (33 Marks) Sociology is a subject that wants to study and understand society. Social policy or otherwise known as the law comes from research completed by sociologists, which is then proposed to the government. Social policy can be seen to change social problems such as the economy. Peter Worsley describes a social problem as “some piece of social behaviour that causes public friction”. For example poverty, educational under-achievement, and divorce can be seen as social problems that the government may be forced to tackle with social policies. Worsley thinks that a sociological problem is “ any pattern of relationships that calls for explanation”, meaning any piece of behaviour that we want to make sense of. For example why some families are richer than others? , Why people commit crime? Or why couples remain happily married? George Simmel was intrigued about the characteristics present in all social relationships and their different settings, be it in an office, in the family home or on a busy street. However many sociologists are interested in solving social problems through their research. They will conduct their research so it is aimed at the social problem they are most interested about. Government departments such as home office employ many sociologists. They will often have a direct input into making social policies. However sometimes sociological research does not effect social polices, and there are a number...
Words: 1449 - Pages: 6
...Version 3.0 General Certificate of Education January 2013 Sociology 1191 SCLY2 Education with Research Methods; Health with Research Methods Unit 2 Final Mark Scheme Mark schemes are prepared by the Principal Examiner and considered, together with the relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the standardisation meeting attended by all examiners and is the scheme which was used by them in this examination. The standardisation meeting ensures that the mark scheme covers the students‟ responses to questions and that every examiner understands and applies it in the same correct way. As preparation for the standardisation meeting each examiner analyses a number of students‟ scripts: alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed at the meeting and legislated for. If, after this meeting, examiners encounter unusual answers which have not been discussed at the meeting they are required to refer these to the Principal Examiner. It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and expanded on the basis of students‟ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark schemes on the basis of one year‟s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination paper. Further copies of this Mark Scheme are available to download...
Words: 6483 - Pages: 26
...theory on the “self-fulfilling prophecies was born mainly from studies applied to criminology and deviance but also education. Teachers tend to have their own judgments towards pupils they teach and provide themselves with a benchmark to base an ideal pupil upon, who would be motivated, intelligent and well behaved. The other side would provide deviance in the form of non-disciplined, unmotivated and unlikely to succeed and it is found that these labels would have a significant affect on careers and education. (Taylor, 1995) (Kidd, Abbott and Czerniawski, 2003) The concept of deviance is to label a person’s unparalleled activity with the society and environment in which they are in and give rise to arguments for and against. Within an educational operating system a deviant may be a person or persons who are labelled as disruptive, misbehaved, disaffected or rebellious or even just doing anything considered to be against the social norms. Where arguments exists to the latter. (Ijvs.org, 2014) Since being applied to the interaction between pupils and teachers, labelling...
Words: 1684 - Pages: 7
...“Examine the relationship between sociology and social policy” Social policies are the actions of governments, such as legal laws. They have a direct impact on citizens, for e.g. may provide them with services or income. Social policies are created after Sociological research identifies social problems of society, for e.g. policies put in place to help vulnerable children (adopted/abused), as they are highly likely to end up in gangs, as drug addicts or prostitutes. According to Worsley (1977) a social problem is some piece of social behaviour that calls for collective action to solve it. In turn, policies help tackle social problems e.g. increasing payment for foster/ adoptive careers to reduce vulnerable children getting involved with crime. The founding fathers of sociology believed that sociology had a central part to play in society – in reforming social institutions, solving social problems and improving human condition. Comte (1798-1857) saw sociology as a practical subject, not confined solely to universities, but being applied to wider society to gain social progress. Emile Durkheim believed sociology contributing to social policy can solve question of order in society. Sociologists such as Giddens place a great emphasis on the practicality of studying sociology. The most significant outcome of sociology is that it allows us to understand the world around us, providing us with knowledge and insights. This understanding can take the form of factual knowledge which...
Words: 2063 - Pages: 9
...Hegemony Hegemony was a concept developed from Karl Marx’s ideas by the Italian neo-Marxist Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937). Marx had originally argued that the capitalist society would become ever more polarized between working class and the ruling class, however during the 20th Century neo-Marxists realised that this was not happening and it soon became evident that society was becoming more complex rather than polarized and in fact there was now more classes and intermediate groups within society than before so neo-Marxists began to rethink how capitalist societies functioned. Gramsci was a key thinker in the debate about class and power and developed the concept of ‘Hegemony’ in his famous Prison Notebooks after being imprisoned by Mussolini’s fascist government, for being a leader in the Italian Communist party. Gramsci’s idea of the concept of Hegemony has come to be central when discussing sociologically the complexity of the modern society. Gramsci’s concept of Hegemony is the way in which ‘one class dominates another through consent rather than force.’(Macionis & Plummer, 1997) For Gramsci the state equals political society and civil society. He stated that the ruling class must gain the consent of the working class and that no government could rule by force alone for very long. He believed that there was a process where in which a dominant group wins over a subordinated/ less dominant group through its ideas, forming political alliances with other groups...
Words: 425 - Pages: 2
...SOCIOLOGY 1A06 – DECEMBER EXAM REVIEW 1. The Sociological approach: a. is not scientific b. suggests that relations we have with other people create opportunities for us to think and act c. suggests that relations we have with other people set limits on our thoughts and actions d. leaves the study of personal issues to psychologists e. b and c * EXPLANATION: Although sociology contains both objective and subjective elements it is a science. Sociologists observe reality in a systematic and controlled manner and evaluate the validity of their ideas based on observations. Objectivity plays the role of a reality check while subjectivity makes us set our priorities for research. The sociological approach to improving human welfare is based on the idea that the relations we have with other people create opportunities for us to think and act but also set limits on our thoughts and actions. Accordingly, we can better understand that what we are and what we can become by studying the social relations that help shape us. FOR EXAMPLE: even the most personal issues can be studied using a sociological approach Suicide could have been seen as an anti-social act caused by psychological distress but Durkheim studied it from a sociological perspective correlating it to “social solidarity”, how frequently people interact with others and share their beliefs, values and morals. Social forces then determine the likelihood to commit suicide. Sociologists use...
Words: 3238 - Pages: 13
...Sociology Introduction One of the most important trends in the study of sociology is the inevitable social inequality in the society. When talk about inequality, sociologists usually link stratifying institutions which label people into social categories such as the educational system and the formal labor market. The three articles discussed below explore the different faces of inequality in society. These articles are Incarceration and Stratification (2010), The Mark of Criminal Record (2003) and The Black-White Test Score Gap (2004). The overarching theme that will be pointed out below is inequality face by black people in the United States. These articles show inequalities face by black people in three different landscapes: incarceration cells, employment, and education. This paper included the role of media in the proliferation of racial inequality between white and black people. Lastly, this paper also presented the missing gaps on literature and how should we address the problem of racial inequality. Summary Inequality is present in incarceration cells. Wakefield and Uggen (2010) claimed that incarceration became a powerful “engine of social inequality that plays a massive and racialized part in the contemporary stratification system” (Wakefield and Uggen, 2010, p. 388). The study conducted by Wakefield and Uggen (2010) covers the scope of imprisonment and the process of selection into prison. The authors then proceed by giving the implications of incarceration in...
Words: 1958 - Pages: 8
...When I look back and try to analyze my personal sociological standpoint, I see myself as a functionalist with organic solidarity throughout of my personal background. However, I also support conflict theory related to my educational experience in United States. I grew up in a very diverse city and was raised in a traditional family: mother, father, grandparents. I think my family is the major framework for me. I believe that it is essential nucleus helps me function and be successful in society. I learned that functionalism in sociology supports idea of maintaining cohesion among different parties in society. Although, we are all so unique in our own ways of living, we still create harmony for functioning with each other. My mother is one of the major mentors in my life. Her voice always plays very important part in my decision-makings. My family works like an “organism”. We all perform different roles on a daily basis, but still support overall stability in our relations. My parents taught me the ways how you function within your family relates to your functioning with other members around us. Strong family foundation gave me an opportunity to be an active participant of my large community nowadays. As we learned in our sociology class, functionalist paradigm/theory according to E. Durkheim exists in two different forms: mechanical and organic solidarities. I can say my grandmother’s generation came from mechanical solidarity. She lived in a very small urban area, didn’t go...
Words: 1111 - Pages: 5
...Casey Kerstetter Education SOC101: Introduction to Sociology (ACK1219E) Instructor: Lynn Ma June 11, 2012 The sociology of education is the study of how public institutions and individual experiences affect education and its outcomes. It is most concerned with the public schooling systems of modern industrial societies, including the expansion of higher, further, adult, and continuing education.(Wikipedia) The sociology of education also provides all students with a rewarding educational experience; the focus should be on integration of the social, intellectual, and emotional components of learning by linking home and school experiences and incorporating a curriculum that addresses students' diversity and different learning styles. Functions of Education in Society include. Assimilation and transmission of culture/traditions: This needs to be done consciously and selectively because traditions need to be selected for transmission as well as omission depending on their value and desirability in today‘s democratic set-up. We need to teach children self-esteem and self-efficacy. The other Education Society include: The functionalist theory focuses on the ways that universal education serves the needs of society. Functionalists first see education in its manifest role: conveying basic knowledge and skills to the next generation. Durkheim the founder of functionalist theory identified the latent role of education as one of socializing people into society's mainstream. Functionalists...
Words: 1672 - Pages: 7
...Higher Sociology Understanding Human Society 1 Acknowledgements SFEU (Scottish Further Education Unit) gratefully acknowledges the contribution made to this publication by Learning and Teaching Scotland who have granted permission to use material previously produced by Higher Still Development Unit. SFEU also thanks SQA for permission to reproduce parts of the Arrangement documents. Copyright statement Documents on NQ Online can be downloaded free. However, where the publications are the copyright of Learning and Teaching Scotland, educational establishments in Scotland may reproduce them in whole or in part provided that the source is acknowledged and that no profit accrues at any stage. Other users of these publications should contact Learning and Teaching Scotland before reproducing any of them. Please note all rights held by the former Higher Still Development Unit continue to be held by Learning and Teaching Scotland. Contents Statement of Standards 3 Guide to Learning and Teaching Pack 7 Introduction to the Unit and Learning and Teaching Approaches 8 Class stratification 9 Recommended reading and recommended websites for class stratification 10 Introduction to social stratification 11 Class stratification 15 Functionalist theory of class stratification 24 Summary of functionalism ...
Words: 19327 - Pages: 78
...Discuss the meaning of sociology Sociology is understanding the way people act and what they do it’s the focus on human institutions and our behaviours ,It’s about social issues , legal ,health & educational systems ETC ,and structures , and society itself and the people who make up society ,it can helps us make sense of the world and how its evolves and how people are changing constantly and how people fit into the world around us , It’s about discussing problems , equality , human rights, discrimination , According to (www.dartmouth.edu ,3/3/12 ) “Sociology enables us to understand the structure and dynamics of society, and their intricate connections to patterns of human behaviour and individual life changes. It examines the ways in which the forms of social structure -- groups, organizations, communities, social categories (such as class, sex, age, or race), and various social institutions (such as kinship, economic, political, or religious) affect human attitudes, actions, and opportunities.” For example feminists, they have strong opinions and have changed gender issues in relation to power a major change accorded , and according to (http://tutor2u.net/sociology/what-is-sociology. 3/3/12) “Feminists argue that society is dominated by men. In this patriarchal society men discriminate against women in order to prevent males and females gaining equal rights. There are various strands of belief within feminism; such as radical feminism, liberal feminism and Marxist...
Words: 1156 - Pages: 5
