sc12-13 / SC1021 ZB d1

This paper is not to be removed from the Examination Halls

BSc degrees and Diplomas for Graduates in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences, the Diplomas in Economics and Social Sciences and Access Route

Principles of Sociology

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 : 10.00am to 1.00pm

Candidates should answer THREE of the following EIGHT questions: QUESTION 1 of Section A (50 marks), QUESTION 2 of Section B (25 marks) and ONE question from Section C (25 marks). Candidates are strongly advised to divide their time accordingly.

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SECTION A

Answer question 1 from this section.

Answer all parts of question 1 (50 marks in total).

1.

‘The decision as to which research method a sociologist uses is influenced by the nature of the problem to be investigated; the theoretical preferences of the observer and practical considerations.’

Adapted from the Subject Guide Principles of Sociology p 66

(a)Give an example of a problem that has been investigated by a sociologist of your choice.

(c)You have been asked to carry out an ethnographic study of a group of teenagers in an attempt to understand why they choose to spend time in shopping malls.

(d)i. What is meant by the ‘interpretivist’ approach in sociology? Demonstrate the main features of this approach and suggest reasons why research based on this might be

ii.What is meant by a ‘realist’ approach’ in social science? Discuss with reference to Marx

(e)Compare the work of any two sociologists from the list below:

Marx Weber Durkheim

© University of London 2013

SECTION B

Answer question 2 from this section (25 marks).

2.Either

(a)Why are sociologists interested in globalisation? Illustrate your answer with at least two sociologists of your choice.

or

(b)To what extent do we live in a globalised society? Refer to economic, political and cultural dimensions in your answer.

SECTION C

Answer one question from this section (25 marks).

3.‘In modern societies all power is essentially economic power.’ Explain and discuss this statement.

4.Compare any two theories which attempt to explain the existence of inequalities in society.

5.‘The race relations approach has been criticised as it underplays structural factors such as poverty, unemployment and racism.’ Explain and discuss this statement.

6.How do Marxists explain the role of religion in society? How is this different from a Weberian or Durkheimian position?

7.Discuss competing theories for gender inequality in society.

8.Compare any two theories that attempt to explain the structure and functioning of organisations in society.

END OF PAPER

© University of London 2013