| Academic year: | 2006-2007 |
| Course code module | 2BPSW-08 |
| Semester: | 1st semester |
| Credits: | 6 |
| Study load (hours) | 168 |
| Theory (hours): | 45,00 |
| Practice/Exercises(hours): | |
| Other (hours): | |
| Part-time program: | 2 |
| Instructor(s) | Jan Vranken
|
| Language of instruction: | Dutch |
| Semester exam information: | semester exam in January |
| Contract restriction information: | |
1. Prerequisites
*Algemene competenties
Familiarity with sociological thought, ability to apply the key sociological concepts and an adequate knowledge of the 'old' and the 'new' sociological classics (Marx, Weber, Bourdieu, Dahrendorf, Goldthorpe, etc).
*Sequentiality
2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes)
1° Knowledge of sociological thought on forms of social inequality
2° Knowledge of situations of inequality: facts and mechanisms
2° Ability to identify and analyse situations of inequality on the basis of the conceptual and theoretical frameworks provided.
3. Course content
In the introduction, an outline is provided of how situations of inequality became the object of social action of scientific research. Then, a number of situations of inequality are presented: the income distribution, unequal access to education, inequality in terms of sickness and death.
Subsequently, the course elucidates some key concepts (differentiation, fragmentation, inequality, exclusion and stratification) on the basis of a model worked out by the lecturer.
In the following chapter, a comparison is made between the principal forms of organised inequality: ranks, castes and classes.
A separate chapter is reserved for each of the main theoretical models: functionalism, Marx and Weber.
The course subsequently explores class structures in contemporary society. This section also covers the aspects of power and social mobility: individual and group mobility, structural mobility, the relationship with spatial mobility.
Finally, the role of a number of crucial factors in the emergence of inequality and stratification (labour market, education, culture) are discussed, on the basis of empirical research.
Throughout the course, a balance is struck between theory, empirical data and methodology.
4. Teaching method
Direct contact: Lectures
Personal work: Supervised self-study
5. Assessment method
Exam: Oral, with written preparation
6. Compulsory reading – study material
Course text: 'Sociologie van de ongelijkheid en de sociale stratificatie'.
7. Recommended reading - study material
To be announced during the first lecture at the latest.
8. Tutoring