The learner is required to:
Define sociology and trace the origins of sociology.
Understand the concept of ‘sociological imagination’ and its relevance to their lives.
Identify the founding fathers of Sociology – Durkheim, Marx, and Weber.
Understand the main sociological perspectives including Functionalism, Conflict and Social Action Theory and further sociological developments.
Understand key sociological terms and concepts such as culture, status, social roles, social group.
Understand the difference between ‘ethnocentrism’ and ‘cultural relativism.
Explain the nature/nurture debate.
Introduce the concepts of culture, values and norms.
Understand the process of socialization and evaluate the agents of socialization and how they impact their lives (e.g. primary caregivers, education, peers, media, religion, employment, etc)
Explain what is meant by ‘re-socialization’s
Define stratification and identify the various systems of stratification historically and internationally. E.g. Caste, Estate.
Describe the types of social strata in Ireland such as class, gender, race/ethnicity.
Give examples of ‘social mobility and be able to describe it in an Irish context.
Discuss the theoretical conceptions of class such as those of Marx and Weber.
Be able to define and distinguish between prejudice and discrimination.
Understand Allport’s five stages of prejudice.
Be introduced to case studies or documentaries relating to the above groups.
Be able to discuss and evaluate the impact of discrimination on the above social groups.
To understand the role and function of the family in society, for example as a primary agent of socialization, with economic, social, emotional, and reproductive roles and functions.
To understand the different family structures in society such as extended family, nuclear family, reconstructed family, single-parent families.
To analyze key influences and social changes which have altered family structure in modern society.
To be able to evaluate a range of critical theoretical perspectives in relation to the family such as the functionalist, Marxist, feminine perspectives.
Regulations in relation to marital breakdown i.e. separation, nullity, and divorce.
Discuss the implications of marital breakdown.
Assessment Criteria
Demonstrate an understanding of sociology and its relevance to understanding their position as an individual, a family member, and as part of a community and wider society. LO1
Discuss the process of socialization and the agents of socialization by analyzing family peer groups, education, media, and how they impact their lives. LO2
Examine the area of social stratification in Irish society and describe how this society can be divided into different social strata ie class, gender, race/ethnicity. LO3
Discuss the impact of discrimination on individuals in society by looking at discrimination and its impact on the following members of society – travelers, the socially marginalized, elderly people, immigrant and migrant workers of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, minority religions, homosexuals, lesbians, and transsexuals. LO4
Explore the role and function of the family as a social unit, the changes that have taken place in the family within an Irish context considering the implications of marital breakdown. LO5
