Academic Year/course:
2023/24
274 - Degree in Social Work
26119 - Social structures
Syllabus Information
Academic year:
2023/24
Subject:
26119 - Social structures
Faculty / School:
108 - Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y del Trabajo
Degree:
274 - Degree in Social Work
ECTS:
6.0
Year:
2
Semester:
Second semester
Subject type:
Compulsory
Module:
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1. General information
The subject "Social Structure" aims to provide each student with a basic knowledge of key processes that characterize contemporary society. With particular attention to the analysis of social inequality structural; gender inequality is a specific commitment of the center.
The subject is part of module C of the study plan, that is, the one that deals with the processes and problems on which Social Work acts. In our case, these processes and problems are of a social nature . It is based on general knowledge already acquired in the previous three semesters, in particular in of the subject "General Sociology"; and it is linked to contents that will be developed in the subject "Social Processes". More generally, it is expected that after taking the course each student will be in better disposition to face other subjects such as practicum and some electives.
These approaches and goals are aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the following agenda 2030 of the United Nations, namely:
Goal 1: End of poverty.
Goal 3: Health and Wellness.
Goal 4: Quality Education.
Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Goal 10: Reduction of Inequalities
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong institutions
2. Learning results
In order to pass this course, the student must demonstrate the following results:
- Knows and critically understands the main factors that determine power imbalances and social inequalities as well as the fundamental mechanisms of discrimination and oppression (in particular those derived from economic and labour, gender, ethnic and cultural relations).
- Knows and critically understands the main aspects of social conflict, the mechanisms of power and authority, domination, exploitation and alienation; and the different sociological perspectives on these processes and mechanisms.
- Is able to analyze and evaluate the impact of inequality and discrimination in working with people in specific contexts and in problematic situations.
3. Syllabus
1.- Introduction: The concept of Social Structure. The structure-action debate . Structural determinants of the social problems.
2.- From industrial society to the present day. Historical and Social Framework. Social Structure and Change . Social Structure contemporary: features, trends and current debates.
3.- Inequality and Stratification. Structural Dimensions of Inequality. Historical stratification models.
Social mobility. The measure of inequality.
4.- Explanations of inequality. The classical theories of Marx, Weber and functionalism. Analysis and critical appraisalof the different approaches .
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4.1.- The classical theories of Marx, Weber and functionalism. Analysis and critical appraisal of the different approaches.
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4.2.- Recent theories on stratification and inequality.
5.- The contemporary class structure. The transformation of work and its consequences on inequality . Globalization, dualization and social exclusion.
6.- Ascriptive factors in inequality. Age, gender and ethnicity as a factor of inequality. The social construction of gender. Domestic sphere and public sphere.
4. Academic activities
The subject has an important theoretical content and is essentially based on reading work, and debate around the dossier of readings that will be provided.
Classroom academic activities are organized through the two teaching-learning modalities: T1 and T2.
The non-attendance work (T7) will be destined fundamentally to the reading of the texts that correspond to each unit.
5. Assessment system
1.-The theory (T1) will be assessed through a written knowledge review test on the contents of the readings and will take place on the day of the official call. It will have a value of 50% of theoverallgrade of the subject. Minimum grade of 5.
2.-A series of practices (T2) will be carried out weekly in class, for which it is necessary topreviously read the reading/s corresponding to the week and to participate in the theoretical sessions. In the classroom, , they will be commented and reviewed. The grade will be the result of an individual test that each student will take at the end of the term, which will consist of an exercise similar to those carried out throughout the term. Participation and contribution to discussions throughout the term will be taken into account for this grade.
It will count for 50% of the overall grade. Minimum grade of 5
The following criteria will be taken into account for the grading of the practical exercises:
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Quality of the summary and evidence of compression of the text, tables, graphs, etc., when applicable.
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Adequacy of the work to the requirements and questions demanded.
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Critical analysis based on the contents of the subject.
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If applicable, the relevance, quality and contribution of complementary documentation.
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Formal aspects