Curriculum Information

The module will begin with exploration of a number of key related socio-economic problems and challenges facing young people in 21st century Britain. These will be framed in sociological discourse about what social change means for young people and what it means for Youth & Community Workers. E.g. Youth Unemployment, Poverty, Youth Homelessness, and the challenge of the Youth Precariat.

What influences social structure and society?
Students will be introduced to the key sociological theories and encouraged to use their sociological imagination to explore the ways in which Youth & Community Workers can best understand the ways in which young people are affected by social change.

Throughout the module, there will be an emphasis on developing critical and analytic skills in academic work by specific focus on:

What influences social structure and society? The social construction of childhood and adolescence – historical analysis: contemporary issues and their impact on young people and intervention strategies.

The social construction of ‘norms’ and values - historical analysis: exploring the changing political, social and economic landscape and the impact on young people in relation to family, education, employment, and wellbeing.
The social construction of social problems – the distinction between ‘public’ and ‘private’, ‘having’ or ‘being’ a problem - the impact on young people’s social mobility – incorporating the Nature versus Nurture debate
Power in society – theoretical analysis, decision-makers, agenda-setters, and ideological or value bias
Power in society - historical analysis: ‘care’ and ‘control’ strategies revisited, how and why power is exercised within society in relation to young people and the changing political, social and economic landscape.