Introduction to social divisions 14

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INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL DIVISIONS

Differences and Resistance Chris McMillan






This evening 1.

2.

3.

An introduction to social differences and divisions

An overview of the module Dinner!


Introductory concepts 

Social differences: Characteristics that allow us to distinguish between peoples

Social Divisions: ‘…a principle of social organisation resulting in a society-wide distinction between two or more logically interrelated categories of people, which are socially sanctioned as substantially different from one another in material and cultural ways’ (Payne, 2006: 348 – Social Divisions, 2nd ed).


Social differences and beyond 

A social difference occurs when individuals are categorised on the basis of physical or abstract characteristics

These categories may be the basis for our social identities e.g. “I am a New Zealander” that may change depending on the context

Or they can be the basis for personal discrimination e.g. “You are such a…” and structural disadvantage e.g. unemployment


So, what is a social division? 

Social divisions are distinctions between socially constructed groupings

Whilst this distinction is socially constructed, it has some permanence

As a consequence of this distinction, a social division occurs when a grouping is disadvantaged in relation to other groupings



So… 

There are social structures and categories that influence the way we distinguish between people

But these differences can result in substantial disadvantages within the structural construction of society

These disadvantages are what we call social divisions


From difference to division

What social differences distinguish you from other people?


Intersectionality 

Stratification and exclusion is not simply a matter of economics

Social divisions do not exist in isolation, but interact together – we may be members of a number of different categories with varying degrees of disadvantage

The interaction between these factors is called ‘intersectionality’


From difference to division

Create a mind-map of all the social differences that might advantage or disadvantage you

Try to link them together!


Why care about social divisions? 

If society is not completely equal and people are not all the same…

…and we see that there are patterns in these inequalities and differences

Then we are interested in understanding these patterns and why they occur

This is not a question of what should be (or what could be), but what is and why



Sociological insights 

Sociologists argue that individual explanations are inadequate – crime is not just caused by individuals from one particular grouping being naturally ‘bad’ or unlucky

Whilst individuals have the capacity for agency, social structures create social patterns


Structure and agency 

Understanding social divisions requires a return to structure and agency

How do social structures create and manage social divisions?

What agency do individuals have to overcome these divisions?


Our questions 1.

Why and how do some differences become social divisions?

2.

How is social life cohesively reproduced if it is defined by differences and divisions?

3.

What capacity exists for resistance, transformation and human agency?

4.

What are the most effective approaches for understanding differences, divisions and resistance?

5.

How do these dynamics operate in contemporary London/Britain?


Module objectives To be more critical of the society in which we live and the social divisions it creates To consider how our personal experiences are shaped by social divisions and, in turn, how we shape these divisions through our behaviour


Lectures 

Thursday 4-6pm in LC262

There are no seminars

You are expected to attend lectures

Lectures will be recorded on ‘Panopto’ and uploaded onto BBL

Ensure you have completed the readings beforehand


WEEK II: POVERTY, WELFARE AND UNEMPLOYMENT


WEEK III:ELITISM AND EQUALITY


WEEK IV: GENDER, SEXISM AND EQUALITY


WEEK V: RACISM AND ETHNICITY


WEEK VI: HEALTH, ILLNESS AND DISABILITY


WEEK VII: ASK WEEK


WEEK VIII:MIGRATION AND EXCLUSION


WEEK IX: THE POWER OF IDEOLOGY


WEEK X: RELIGION, COMMUNITY AND IDENTITY


WEEK XI: PROTEST AND RESISTANCE


WEEK XII: DIVIDING THE FUTURE


Making progress 

This module covers many of the same topics as the ‘Introduction to Sociology’ modules

We build on the knowledge developed last year and take a different approach to the issues

Is it important that you build on your first year knowledge and use it in lectures and assessments


What do you think is the most influential division in Britain?


Assessments There are two assessments for this module:  A 1,000 word ‘critical literature review’ (due before reading week – worth 30%) 

This assessment requires you to identify a personal experience of a social division and use academic literature to discuss it

A 2,000 word essay (topics to be released, due Jan 2015 – worth 70%)



What social division influences you the most?


Readings Reading is the basis of your learning The majority of reading will be from Payne: It is essential that you buy this book Additional readings are also suggested and are available through BBL


Contact information 

Room MJ.153

Ext. 67541

chris.mcmillan@brunel.ac.uk

Consultation and Feedback Hour: Friday 1-2pm, or by appointment


Very important information 

This module examines the connections and distinctions between social differences and social divisions

We think about; Different kind of differences and how they become divisions How they change across time and in different places  The processes through which society and personal identities tend to remain stable despite these differences  How we are affected by the reproduction of social differences and divisions 


Next Week READINGS 

Jones, O. (2012) Chavs: The Demonization of the Working Class (Introduction) London: Verso. Scott, J. (2013) Class and Stratification. In Payne, G. (2013) Social Divisions (3rd Ed.), Basingstoke: Macmillan. Platt, L. (2013) Poverty. In Payne, G. (2013) Social Divisions (3rd Ed.), Basingstoke: Macmillan. Contact me on chris.mcmillan@brunel.ac.uk if there are any issues.


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