Sociology News

" Understanding Society, Ourselves, and the World Around Us"

Throughout this term in Sociology, our students have engaged in thought-provoking lessons and activities to help them develop their critical thinking skills when analysing how individuals and society impact each other.

Our students have explored many topics related to sociology, including the process of socialisation, and the evolving nature of the family structure.

Year 10: Exploring How Our Society Shapes Who We Become

As Year 10 students have taken a deeper dive into the interesting questions of how we develop who we are and how society shapes our behaviour, values, and sense of self they have been focusing on the process of socialisation, the ways through which individuals learn the norms, beliefs and expectations of the society in which they live.

Students have participated in many different forms of learning including, but not limited to debates, role plays and written reflection to explore how social institutions such as family, education, religion, government and media shape our daily decisions and define appropriate behaviour. These explorations have asked students to consider how societies maintain order and how individuals navigate their own identities within those orders.

Additionally, students have studied the concept of social identity and analysed the ways in which gender, class, ethnicity and age contribute to how individuals view themselves and how they are viewed by others. Students' thoughtful reflections demonstrate a developing awareness of the dynamic between individualism and societal control, an important sociological theme.

Year 11: The Changing Family

In this term's study, Year 11 students have examined how the concept of family has developed and is continuing to evolve as a result of changes in the larger social and economic environment.

Their studies have focused on how demographic changes (such as low fertility rates, longer lives and aging populations) have affected the roles and responsibilities of family members as well as the structure and expectations associated with family life.

Throughout their studies, Year 11 students have engaged in very rich discussions about how the effects of economic pressure, cultural diversity, and changing gender roles have changed the nature of contemporary family life. Examples of the types of families included in their studies include single parent and blended families; dual-career and same sex families; etc. Students have evaluated how these changes reflect changes in values and priorities across society.

Their reflections have demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the role of the family as an institution that continues to be important and relevant, yet able to adapt to the changing needs of society.

Looking Forward

Sociology connects directly to everyday life. Not only do our students learn theoretical concepts; they apply those concepts to interpret the world around them. They use sociology to ask questions and reflect on the relationship between personal freedom and social control.

The Sociology department encourages all students to be curious and empathetic citizens while using the skills of critical thinking and reflection when analysing society.

Mr Nyabuto

Head of Humanities