Module Details

Module Code: SOCI7006
Title: Social Stratification
Long Title: Social Stratification
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3120 - Sociology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module builds and expands on the theories of stratification previously introduced to the student community practitioner. It evaluates the usefulness of the approaches in explaining unequal access to resources in both the local and global context. The forms stratification has taken historically are outlined, and the explanations offered for the existence of inequality are critically assessed (in particular, the view that inequality is an inevitable and necessary feature of modern societies). The structure of stratification in contemporary society is examined through the concepts of class and gender, while unequal and uneven labour market participation are examined through use of the concepts of horizontal and vertical segregation in order to enhance the community practitioner's understanding of the structural and ideological bases of social inequality.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically assess the explanations offered for the existence of social inequality.
LO2 Identify the dynamics of change in societies from a historical perspective and identify the main beneficiaries of this change.
LO3 Evaluate the usefulness of a class analysis for interpreting the distribution or resources in contemporary societies.
LO4 Evaluate the usefulness of a gender analysis for locating the position of females in societies.
LO5 Critically assess the use of dual systems theory and the concepts of horizontal and vertical segregation for exploring unequal labour market participation.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Social Stratification
Overview of Social Stratification; revisit debates on social stratification; identify the basis of social stratification historically, nationally and internationally; focus on cultural beliefs and ideologies that underpin and serve to justify social stratification. Examine the view that social stratification plays a positive role in modern society. The concept of meritocracy.
Social Class
What do we mean by social class; is class significant in modern society? Exploring the structured distribution of material resources in a local and a global context; exploring occupational and locational change in Irish society; fragmentation of the class structure; the proletariat thesis; the embourgeoisement thesis.
Ireland and the EU
Ireland and EU enlargement; stratification in Europe, shifting work patterns, policy contribution of occupational change; 'winners' and 'losers'; the concept of the 'Celtic Tiger', concept of the underclass.
Gender
Gender as a significant category of analysis; gender related social issues in Irish society; the impact of females employment on class and other forms of stratification; equal pay and equal outcomes.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Open-book Examination % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
In-Class Test (comprehension)
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 65
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Critical engagement with a selected topic
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Reflection Journal linking theory to practice
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/Workshop Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Application of learning in a community setting Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/Workshop Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Application of learning in a community setting Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Crompton Rosemary. (1996), Class and Stratification: An Introduction to Current Debates, Policy Press, Cambridge, [ISBN: 10: 074561793X/ISBN-13: 978-0745617930].
  • Grusky, D.. (2014), Social Stratification: Class, Race, and Gender in Sociological Perspective, 4th. Westview Press, [ISBN: 10-0813346711].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Allen, K.. (2000), The Celtic Tiger: The Myth of Social Partnership., Manchester, Manchester University Press, [ISBN: 10: 0719058481/ISBN-13: 978-0719058486].
  • Baker, J.. (1996), Arguing for Inequality, Verso Press, London, [ISBN: 10: 0333733622/ISBN-13: 978-0333733622].
  • Barry, F.. (1999), Understanding Ireland’s Economic Growth, Macmillan, London, [ISBN: 10: 0333733622/ISBN-13: 978-0333733622].
  • Economic and Social Research Institute.. (2000), Men and Women: How Unequal: Explaining the Pay Gap, IPA, Dublin, [ISBN: 10: 1860761917/ISBN-13: 978-1860761911].
  • Layte, R. & Whelan, C.. (2000), in: Bust to Boom: The Irish Experience of Growth and Inequality, "The Rising Tide of Equality Opportunity: the Changing Class Structure", IPA, Dublin, [ISBN: 10: 1902448480/ISBN-13: 978-1902448480].
  • O’Connell, P.. (2000), in: Bust to Boom: The Irish Experience of Growth and Inequality, "The Dynamics of the Irish Labour Market in Comparative Perspective", IPA, Dublin, [ISBN: 10: 1902448480 /ISBN-13: 978-1902448480].
  • Walby, S.. (1986), Flexible Labour Market Participation and Females, Polity, Cambridge, [ISBN: 9780917714897].
  • Walby, S.. (1986), Patriarchy At Work, Polity, Cambridge, [ISBN: 10: 0816615896/ISBN-13: 978-0816615896].
  • Nolan, B., Whelan, C. (eds). (2000), Bust to Boom: The Irish Experience of Growth and Inequality, IPA, Dublin, [ISBN: 10: 1902448480 /ISBN-13: 978-1902448480].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • O'Connor, Pat. (2010), Is senior management in Irish Universities male dominated? What are the implications?, Irish Journal of Sociology, Vol. 18, No. 1.
  • Breathnach, P.. (1993), Womens's Employment and and Peripheralisation: the Case of Ireland’s Branch Plant Economy, Geoforum, Vol. 24 (1), pp. 19 - 29,
    http://eprints.maynoothuniversity.ie/309 0/
  • Breen, R. and Goldthorpe, J.H.. (1999), Class inequality and meritocracy: A critique of Saunders and an alternative analysis, British Journal of Sociology, Vol. 50, Issue 1, pp. 1 - 27,
    http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.11 11/bjos.1999.50.issue-1/issuetoc
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Anker, R.. (2006), Theories of Occupational Segregation by Sex: An Overview, International Labour Review, Vol. 136, No. 3.
  • Budd, Susan (née Millott). (2014), Social Stratification in Industrial Society, The Sociological Review, Article first published online: 9 May 2014, Vol. 8.
  • Barry, Ursula. (2015), The Policy on Gender Equality in Ireland Update 2015. In-Depth Analysis for the FEMM Committee, European Parliament, Directorate General for Internal Policies, Policy Department C: Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs, Document requested by the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality,
    http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/et udes/IDAN/2015/536450/IPOL_IDA(2015)5364 50_EN.pdf
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HCOED_7 Bachelor of Arts in Community Development 5 Mandatory