Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis The subject applies sociological concepts and modes of analysis to the study of power and social life, building on the work done in SCY1010. It starts with a consideration of interpersonal/small group mechanisms and processes where power is exercised and moves on to an analysis of how various forms of deviance and major social problems are defined and managed by government, state agencies, professional, the media, community groups, and so on. The subject includes a discussion of different conceptions of power and an examination of power and the state at the broader national and international levels. The analysis of power and social life will be illustrated by a range of contemporary issues, with attention paid in particular to issues relating to race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. A major focus is how power operates in the construction of child abuse as a social problem and there is an exploration of recent controversies and conflicts around this topic.
Assessment Written (2000 words): 50% + Examination (2 hours): 50%