sc12-13 / SC1021 ZA 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 all parts of question 1 (50 marks in total).

1.‘According to Parsons the structure of a society “is the normative framework that defines its social positions and their social relations in the division of labour. The normative

expectations attached to social positions define the roles to be played by their occupants.” ’ Sociology, 4th Edition Fulcher and Scott page 57

(a) i. According to Parsons, what are the functions of socialisation? (4 marks)

ii.How does either Mead or Goffman explain the processes of socialisation and identity

(c)You have been asked to undertake a survey to find out the attitudes of a community to a proposed new office development in the centre of their town.

ii.What potential problems would you face in gathering and analysing data in this way?

(4 marks)

(d)i. What is meant by the interpretivist approach in sociology? Demonstrate and illustrate the

main features of this approach and suggest reasons why positivists might distrust such research? (8 marks)

ii.Explain what is meant by a realist approach in social science. Illustrate your answer with

(e)Illustrating your answer with any one sociologist of your choice, demonstrate how they have

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SECTION B

Answer question 2 from this section (25 marks).

2.Either

(a)‘Globalisation is a new phenomenon.’ Explain and discuss this statement.

or

(b)‘The nation state has lost its power to transnational corporations.’ Explain and discuss this statement using the work of at least two social scientists of your choice.

SECTION C

Answer one question from this section (25 marks).

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

4.Compare a structural functionalist perspective as to the existence of inequality and injustice with a Marxist perspective.

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.‘Religious belief and practice have important functions in society.’ Explain and discuss this statement illustrating your answer with the work of at least two sociologists of your choice.

7.‘In spite of many social and political changes the place and power of women in most social positions is not equal to that of men.’ Explain and discuss this statement using the theories which you have studied on this course.

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

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