Overview

Despite having a wide range of resources such as wealth, status and power, we inhabit a deeply unequal society, characterised by inequality and division. This module investigates the nature and consequences of social divisions within societies.

Social divisions refer to the classification of populations and their differential treatment (Anthias, 1999). These categories of divisions can mean one experiences advantages or disadvantages, as well as discrimination and disparities. So much so that even our personal lives are influenced by patterns of hierarchy and social difference (Bottero, 2005). Students are encouraged to develop an awareness of how social divisions permeate the social order both publicly, and privately, at times leading to differentiation, exclusion and disadvantage

Subjects will include, but will not be limited to: Introduction to social divisions and discussions of Social Class, Gender, Ethnicity, Age, Sexuality, Gender expression, Disability, Religion, Nation and Geography. There will be a focus on the social policy areas of housing, health, crime, education and employment.

Subjects will include, but will not be limited to: Introduction to social divisions and discussions of identity, followed by workshops on aspects of identity such as: Social Class, Gender, Ethnicity, Age, Sexuality, Gender expression, Disability, Religion, Nation and Geography.

These examples of identity will be discussed in relation to the social policy areas of housing, health, crime, education and employment.

Assessment Strategy

Excellent (A to A-) Essay* - Has a critical understanding of the main concept of social divisions and is able to critical engage with one example in detail (e.g. class, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, sexuality, gender expression, disability, religion, nation or geography), - Can critically engage with key issues such as differentiation, exclusion and disadvantage. - Can critically discuss and evaluate relevant research.

PresentationAn excellent presentation that discusses individual experiences of social divisions in an informed and reflective manner - Excellent description of the individual's social divisions - Excellent evaluation of how social divisions relate to their individual experience - Has an excellent understanding of research related to social divisions - Enthusiastic and engaging delivery that makes the audience want to listen; - Excellent presentation slides that compliment the oral presentation e.g no more than 5 bullet points & text, mixture of texture of picture, only Time or Ariel font, design is clear - Perceptive and interesting responses to question/s

Good (B+ to B-) Essay - Understands the main concept social divisions and are able to outline one example in detail (e.g. class, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, sexuality, gender expression, disability, religion, nation or geography), - Understand key issues such as differentiation, exclusion and disadvantage. - Can communicate effectively about relevant research.

Presentation A good/Very good presentation that discusses individual experiences of social divisions in an informed and reflective manner - Has a good/Very good understanding of the research related to social divisions - Overall, a good/very good delivery, but one or two improvements were needed relating to delivery e.g speech patterns, eye contact, presentation slides, more research; preparation for the questions - Good/very good presentation slides but one or two improvements needed e.g no more than 5 bullet points & text, mixture of texture of picture, only Time or Ariel font, design is clear - Good/very good responses in discussion but more preparation needed

Threshold (C+ to C-) Essay - Shows a basic awareness of students' individual social divisions. - Provides a basic description of the literature in this field.

Presentation A satisfactory presentation on the student’s individual experience of social divisions - Uses little or no research related to the subject. - Satisfactory delivery, but one or two improvements were needed relating to delivery e.g speech patterns, eye contact, presentation slides, more research; preparation for the questions - Satisfactory presentation slides but one or two improvements needed e.g no more than 5 bullet points & text, mixture of texture of picture, only Time or Ariel font, design is clear - Satisfactory responses in discussion, but much more understanding of the subject area was needed

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss key social divisions (for example, class, gender, ethnicity, age, sexuality, gender expression, disability, religion, nation and geography) in the contemporary world either through group or individual work - whether it be written or oral communication.

• Evaluate the extent of change and continuity in relation to social divisions and inequalities

• Evaluate the processes which result in social divisions

• Understand and articulate both structural and individual experiences of inequalities, difference and in/exclusion