Introduction to Sociology

The aim of this module is to introduce the social care worker student to the discipline of sociology.  Drawing upon the writings of Comte, Durkheim, Marx and Weber and other theorists the main features of modernity will be explored. The module will explore societal structures, socialisation and family, norms and values, social stratification, education, poverty and culture, with specific attention accorded to social care provision.  Through deliberation personal values and life experience are explored, with the intention the student will be enabled to consider how others see the world. Through various sociological lenses, individual, community and societal dynamics will explore historical and contemporary social processes that influenced the provision of social care.  This exploration will include; discrimination, social exclusion and marginalisation and the potential outcomes for different social groups across the lifespan. This provides a basis to consider practice which is rights based, anti-discriminatory and culturally competent to work with diverse groups and individuals.  A brief introduction to research types linked to specific paradigms provides insights to social research and its purpose. The student will be encouraged to appreciate the limitations of sociology in relation to understanding the holistic needs of the individual, families and communities. 

This module maps to the CORU Standards of Proficiency below: 

1.3, 1.5, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10,1.22, 1.23, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.14, 5.17   

1. Evidence a broad introductory knowledge and understanding of the concept of society; (Proficiencies: 1.22, 1.23, 4.4, 5.1, 5.7, 5.14 )

2. Describe an introductory knowledge of the historical and theoretical development of the discipline of sociology; (Proficiencies: 1.22)

3. Explain the main characteristics of modernity as an era, the formation of institutions and the historical development of social care provision (Proficiencies:  1.3, 1.8, 1.22, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.14,)

4. Evidence an ability to apply fundamental sociological concepts to social care contexts, considering theory, policy and practice. (Proficiencies: 1.3, 1.5 ,1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.22, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7,  5.14, 5.17)

5. Describe different formations of social divisions that lead to social inequality, discrimination, social exclusion and how to challenge such processes. (Proficiencies: 1.8, 1.22, 5.1, 5.2,  5.14, 5.15)