BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy

This module will explore a selection of twentieth and twenty first century theoretical perspectives.& nbsp; In this way, it builds on the work of the classical theorists considered in the compulsory level 4 module, 4SL007.& nbsp; In order to impart some continuity and coherence into the subject matter, attention will be paid to the emphasis of the theorists on structure and agency in society.& nbsp; Rather than treating the subject matter as an abstract body of knowledge, the module will seek to emphasize and the students will be assessed in how social theory can explain contemporary societies.

This module will introduce students to both qualitative and quantitative research methods in the social sciences. The distinction can be over-stated given as many research projects now use mixed methods, but a difference does exist and it is necessary to unpack it for heuristic purposes. The module will proceed through first outlining the background and key aspects of the qualitative and quantitative traditions, before providing case examples of field work using particular research techniques (surveys, semi structured interviews) within the two broad approaches.

In this module we will develop an understanding of some key policy-making ideas from public administration, new public management, governance and devolved policy-making.  The module will uncover the layers of governance in the UK policy-making field in the 2020’s, helping us to understand the complexities and messy nature of policy-making but also to evaluate the importance of where we think policy should be made.  The Brexit referendum transferred power away from the EU and into the hands of politicians at Westminster, argued as a positive for some.  But is this where we want our decisions to be made, are there arguments for more devolution and more decision making on our doorsteps – and if there are who do we want to make those decisions?  We will reflect on the importance of policy-making that reflects diversity in our communities and that is introduced in an inclusive way.

Provides students with sociological perspectives and theories that help to explain gendered differences, gender identities,sexualities and inequalities. Provides knowledge of the processes of gender divisions and differences. Examines the contexts in which gender divisions and inequalities continue, e.g. Education, work and the media.

Environmental Crime offers a critical exploration of environmental dangers through a criminological lens. It assesses the cultural and legal parameters of causing harm to the planet (Green Criminology) by considering what constitutes an environmental crime in contrasting contexts. The module focuses on a variety of forms of environmental crime, from fast fashions to the illegal trade and poaching of wildlife. The spatial and progressive dynamics of environmental factors are examined with reference to debates on black markets and cultural rituals. Collectively the lectures enable students to develop comprehensive knowledge and theoretical understanding of Green Criminology. The module explores environmental crime as a distinct criminological topic, whilst examining its relationship with criminology and criminal justice more broadly.

Although the existence of distinct races has been scientifically discredited, its essentialist meaning continues to have real material consequences, for groups who are racially Othered. This module explores the social construction of race and the function of racism in modern society, against the backdrop of Empire and European modernity. Students will examine historical relationships of power to understand how racism is reproduced and legitimated in social interactions, economic relationships and political discourse, in the here and now. They will also explore how racist ideologies are interwoven in society’s institutions and structures, and how racism is contested and fought over. The aim of this module is to enable students to understand the function of racism in the making of the modern world, and how it continues to be a major source of inequality in late modernity.

In this module we will consider the future opportunities and challenges in the work and labour market in the UK. During this module we will address the key variables at play in evaluating the future of work. The topics covered in this module will range from the role of automation, the impact of Brexit and the desire to reach a net-zero economy in the coming decades. We will critically engage with each variable to decide on the extent to which it will be a changing labour market and how our communities can adjust and flourish in response.

This module provides opportunities for community-based learning through voluntary community engagement. This activity will enable you to understand the relevance of your studies within a community context, combining practical experience with academic studies. In addition, it is an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the Third Sector, and the notion of citizenship. Both subject specific and transferable skills will be developed and utilised throughout this module, thus developing graduate employment attributes.

The growth in importance of the body in western society is indicated by the rise of interest in a range of ‘body matters’.  This includes body shape, health, and beauty, and how these are subject to various forms of commercial management and social control.  As an index of this, we only have to consider the large number of tools and techniques available to us to ‘improve’ our bodies.  In addition, the race, ethnicity, sex, gender, age, and infirmity of our bodies, shape our position and acceptability in society, and places constraints on our ability to act.  This module will provide an introduction to academic debates around the regulation of bodies and examine the changing status of the body in social theory.  It will first introduce a number of theoretical positions that have explored the body’s status in contemporary society in order to provide the framework for the rest of the module.  Moving on from this the module will focus attention upon a number of key areas involving the social, cultural and historical management and control of bodies.

The free market principles of neoliberal capitalism expose males and females to new uncertainties about social life, and unprecedented dimensions of risk. In the consumer society of late modernity, economic insecurity, high levels of crime, rampant individualism and deviance, are accepted norms rather than aberrations. This module explores the impacts that economic changes have on wealth disparities, and maintaining inequalities, amongst different social groups. Who are the winners and losers of consumer capitalism? How do social actors negotiate risk? What are the neoliberal penalties and consequences of being unable to compete in society’s market situations? Why are the poor demonised under the rhetoric of responsibilisation? These are some of the questions examined in this module, within the context of power and its application to racialised, gendered and classified social groups.

For this module, students will undertake an independent project, support by a member of the teaching team, about a topic of their choice. Students have three options for their project. Option one is a secondary research dissertation, option two is a primary research dissertation, and option three is an applied research project with a not-for-profit organisation.

In this module you will undertake an independent project. The project allows you to focus on a social policy area of your choice and produce an in-depth piece of work. There is an opportunity to base your project in an organisation and carry out research in partnership with that organisation.

This module will focus on how international Non Governmental Organisations – such as World Health Organisation and United Nations – impact on policy making in the UK. It will investigate whether global problems, such as climate changes, increasing wealth inequality, modern day slavery and global pandemics and disease, give these NGO’s legitimacy in the national policy-making context – including with the general public. It will explore the range of ways International NGO’s try to influence national policy – and how and why national policymakers resist the policy directives of these organisations.

This module focuses on global issues and trends in the twenty-first century. We will explore the increased interconnectedness of states, societies and peoples and the economic, political and social impact of this interdependence. Case-study material will be drawn from many different parts of the world and is likely to include finance, communication and information technology, the role of the nation state, environmental problems and resistance to globalisation.  

    Migration is a fundamental feature of the contemporary world.  Its social and economic effects are self evident; its political ramifications frequent.  This course will provide an overview of key concepts and issues in the study of migration.  The organisation will be split into two interrelated sections.  The first will consider the key motivations why people move from one country to another.  Here the course will look at definitions, push and pull factors in migrant flows and migration in history.  Second, it will look at immigration and British society.  This will section will pay particular attention to immigration to the UK since 1945: Irish and New Commonwealth immigration, Immigration Control and contemporary asylum and Eastern European immigration.