Reference no: EM132223425

Assignment

In this assignment, there is an opportunity to apply the skills you have developed so far to the researching and writing of an extended essay. The focus of the essay is to consider a topical social issue, and to ask the central question - why is this happening? To answer this, you will need to consider a range of sociological explanations. The issues covered in the topics are in some sense a problem for society. Thus in your essay, we also want you to consider how your explanations might be used as a basis for thinking about appropriate remedies, policies, changes to practice etc. In this way, you are being asked to think about how sociology as a discipline can be used to effect change in the world, and ultimately to bring about some betterment of society, and of people's experiences of life.

You need to include at least 9 ‘academic' references in your essay.

The task:Choose one of the topics below

(NOTE:)Requirements:

Be sure to read your chosen question carefully and ensure that all aspects of it are covered in the final essay.

Your work should be well structured with an introduction, body, conclusion, references - and with the use of clear paragraphs, topic sentences, signposting etc.

You should include a good range of references in your work, with correct citing and referencing of these.

All work should be carefully edited with correcting of any grammatical/spelling/ punctuation errors etc.

Topic 1: Gender

Domestic violence is now seen as a very pressing social issue. The Victorian government has in fact just instituted a Royal Commission into the issue. What sociological explanations can be offered for this phenomenon? Which of these do you find the most persuasive? Why? What social remedies might stem from the explanation you favour? (i.e. if you were given the opportunity, what recommendations would you put to the Victorian inquiry on the basis of your analysis).

Topic 2: Mass Media
Pornification of the social world has become a particularly pernicious form of media content. It is not only apparent in is raw form as pornography on the WWW but also in various social media feeds, in advertising, discussed in the popular press and as a part of music videos. Why is this happening? What sociological explanations can you suggest for the phenomenon? How might these differ from a freedom of expression issue?In adopting a sociological perspective to the issue, how is it identified as a sociological issue and what do you think are some social measures that could be adopted to deal with the problem?

Topic 3: Religion
It has been noted that the rise of globalisation has been accompanied by a rise of religious fundamentalism in different parts of the world. How might different sociologists account for this phenomenon? Which explanation(s) do you find the more plausible? Why? Drawing on this analysis - if you were approached to advise an international body (such as the UN) about some of the concerns and threats around this issue, what would be the key to your advice?

Topic 6: Social Media

In the space of only a decade, social media has become an integral part of life for almost everyone in contemporary Australia. But accompanying this development are concerns about what is altered, neglected, or lost in our lives as a result. How might sociologists explain the hold social media seems to have on us? Is there a problem here? What advice would you give in response to concerns about the effects of social media - you might choose to affirm these concerns or reject them. Is switching off an option?