This module moves students from an analysis of the social construction of childhood and childhood identities towards an examination of the interaction between the child and the larger environment, paying particular attention to the meso and macro systems (and the influence of family, social, cultural and environmental factors) on the developing child. Students will examine the family from a sociological perspective developing a knowledge of working with diverse families and families experiencing poverty and disadvantage. The module will examine the early childhood education and care system and the historical, cultural and philosophical context in which it is located as well as they ways in which it may contribute to systemic inequality. Social institutions such as the media will be examined as these institutions have a large impact on socialisation and the lifecourse of the child. Emphasis will be placed on the structured nature of social inequality in society, as the student explores the way in which children’s lives are shaped by broader systems of inequality, as well as being active in the construction of difference in the social world.
Childhood, Social Institutions and the Bio-ecological Model of Child
Defining social institutions, social institutions such as family, early childhood education and care, the media, the government, the economy and religion. Impact of institutions on impact on child development, children’s wellbeing, identity and learning.
Social stratification, social class & inequality
Defining and measuring poverty. Child poverty in Ireland - causes and outcomes. Child homelessness in Ireland. Working with families experiencing poverty and disadvantage.
Sociology and the family
Definitions of the family. Theories about the family. Changing structure of the family (e.g. size, marriage, cohabitation, divorce, parenting, sexuality.) Children in the family Grandparents in the 21st Century
Education
Key debates in the sociology of education. (e.g. Shaping the curriculum, the hidden curriculum) Pre-schools, day care and primary education in Ireland Education as an agent of socialisation Links between social divisions and education (e.g. Class, gender, disability, ethnicity).
Media
Defining the mass media. The rise of the mass media in Ireland. Old and new media. Media globalisation Children’s media usage Gender and racial stereotypes in media content. Computers, the internet and video games
This module is a mixture of face to face lectures, tutorials and self directed learning. Students have the opportunity to do independent research and present their work to the class. They engage in experiential exercises and reflect on theory to practice.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |