Sociology

For more information contact: Sam Jones (NSC)

Rationale

The study of VCE Sociology assists in the development of an appreciation of cultural diversity, and in an understanding of human behaviour and social structures. Further, it directs students’ attention to how aspects of society are interrelated, as well as to the causes and impacts of social change.

VCE Sociology provides valuable knowledge and skills for participation in everyday life. It develops a capacity for detailed observation of social patterns and group behaviour, and encourages students to become aware of and to think about daily life and activities, as well as wider social issues, from a sociological perspective. This study broadens students’ insights into key sociological frameworks and social institutions, enabling them to pursue further formal study at a tertiary level or in vocational education and training settings.

The study of VCE Sociology can lead to tertiary pathways related to work with social groups and social processes, such as in culture resource management and community development, or work with minority and ethnic groups. It can lead to work in fields that address issues such as crime and substance abuse, youth and family matters, industrial relations, social justice and social issues related to healthcare. The study of VCE Sociology helps develop social research skills, including: creating and conducting surveys, collecting data and conducting interviews and fieldwork, including the analysis, interpretation and presentation of the information collected.

Structure

The study is made up of four units.

·         Unit 1: Youth and family

·         Unit 2: Deviance and crime

·         Unit 3: Culture and ethnicity

·         Unit 4: Community, social movements and social change.

Each unit deals with specific content contained in areas of study and is designed to enable students to achieve a set of outcomes for that unit. Each outcome is described in terms of key knowledge and key skills.

Entry

There are no prerequisites for entry to Units 1, 2 and 3. Students must undertake Unit 3 prior to undertaking Unit 4. Units 1 to 4 are designed to a standard equivalent to the final two years of secondary education. All VCE studies are benchmarked against comparable national and international curriculum.

Unit 1: Youth and family

In this unit, students use sociological methodology to explore the social category of youth and the social institution of family. Sociologists draw on methods of science to understand how and why people behave the way they do when they interact in a group. Sociology attempts to understand human society from a holistic point of view, including consideration of society’s composition, how it is reproduced over time and the differences between societies. When sociologists investigate a topic, they attempt to do so with a reflective, critical mindset. Sociologists are guided by theories, or frameworks, to explain and analyse how social action, social processes and social structures work.

In Area of Study 1, students explore the way youth is constructed as a social category, in the light of differing experiences of young people. Students examine how and why the experience of being young differs across time and space. They examine a range of factors that lead to different experiences of youth, as well as the potential negative impacts of homogenous categorisation, such as stereotypes of young people in a context characterised by a rich diversity in the ways young people live.

In Area of Study 2, students investigate the social institution of the family. In a multicultural society like Australia, different communities have different kinds of families and experiences of family life. Students explore various factors that influence the diversity of these experiences such as demographic shifts, as well as cultural, economic, technological and social developments. A range of theoretical approaches are used by sociologists to explain the purpose and experiences of family life, including functionalist and feminist approaches. Comparative methodologies also enable comparison of family types and family experiences across time and space.

Unit 2: Deviance and crime

In this unit, students explore the concepts of deviance and crime. The study of these concepts from a sociological perspective involves ascertaining the types and degree of rule-breaking behaviour, examining traditional views of criminality and deviance and analysing why people commit crimes or engage in deviant behaviour. It also involves consideration of the justice system, how the understanding of crime and deviance has changed over time, and the relationship between crime and other aspects of a society, such as age and gender.

In Area of Study 1, students explore the concept of deviance. There are different explanations of what constitutes deviant behaviour. Generally, it is defined as involving actions that are considered to be outside the normal range of behaviour according to the majority of members of a society, or more formally, the violation of social norms. Students investigate the functionalist, social control and labelling theories of deviance.

Students also explore the phenomenon known as moral panic. This refers to an intense emotional reaction from society (usually communicated through the mass media) to an issue that is perceived to threaten the social order.

In Area of Study 2, students investigate crime and punishment. They explore patterns of crime relating to age, gender and country of birth and consider the significance of a range of factors that may lead people to commit crimes such as financial situation and access to resources and employment, addiction, mental health and wellbeing issues, abuse, neglect, peer pressure and rebellion. Students explore different methods of punishment and the extent to which each of these methods serves the aims of punishment, which may include retribution, just punishment, deterrence, denunciation, rehabilitation, incapacitation, societal protection and restoration.

Students may draw on primary and secondary research to inform their understanding of deviance and crime.

Unit 3: Culture and ethnicity

In this unit, students explore expressions of culture and ethnicity within Australian society in two different contexts – Australian Indigenous cultures, and ethnicity in relation to migrant groups.

In Area of Study 1, students critically explore the historical suppression of, and increasing public awareness of, Australian Indigenous cultures. They examine the past and its influence on subsequent generations, as well as contemporary factors that may support and/or limit increasing awareness of Australian Indigenous cultures. Students consider indigenous and non-indigenous perspectives and responses in their exploration.

In Area of Study 2, students investigate ethnicity as a key sociological category that plays an important role in social life. Individuals often define themselves, or others, as members of at least one ethnic group based on a common heritage that gives them a unique social identity. Ethnicity is not fixed and unchanging; instead, ethnic identities constantly evolve and are shaped through a variety of political, cultural and social forces. The concept is often used in contrast to the concept of race, which generally refers to groups based on visible physical characteristics such as skin colour and facial features. Most sociologists prefer to focus on the concept of ethnicity rather than race.

Unit 4: Community, social movements and social change

In this unit, students explore the ways sociologists have thought about the idea of community and how the various types of community are experienced. They examine the relationship between social movements and social change.

In Area of Study 1, students examine the changing definitions and experiences of community. This includes examination of the challenges and opportunities posed by political, social, economic and technological change. Students examine the concept of community with particular reference to the theories of Ferdinand Tonnies and Michel Maffesoli.

In Area of Study 2, students investigate the role of social movements. A social movement involves a group engaged in an organised effort to achieve social change. Students develop an understanding of the purpose, evolution, power and outcomes of social movements.

To read the study design in full please click here. (24-28)