Social Inequality
SO3260 Social Inequality (10 ECTS credits)
Lecturer(s): Martina Byrne, Dr Peter Mühlau and ESRI staff
Module Content/Outline:
The first part of the module examines the causes and consequences of social inequality in Irish and European society. It describes the nature and extent of social inequality in areas such as education, health, social capital or crime victimization. While the main emphasis is on the economic basis of social inequality, the module also looks at the intersection between class and gender/ethnic inequalities and looks specifically at the intergenerational transmission of inequality. In the second part of the module, leading researchers in Ireland introduce selected areas of inequality research, their policy context and familiarises students with the main issues and findings in these research areas.
Learning Objectives:
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- describe social inequalities in Irish society and compare that with the situation in other advanced industrial societies
- critically discuss and evaluate the evidence for theories of causes of social inequality
- critically discuss and evaluate the evidence for theories of consequences of social inequality
- identify and discuss the policy implication of research findings in inequality research
Lectures & Tutorials/ Contact hours:
One lectures and one tutorial per week.
Workload: Lectures: 22 hrs; Tutorials: 22 hrs; Exams/assignments: 44 hrs; Self-study: 160 hrs. Total: 250 hours.
Recommended Texts/ Key Reading:
- Goldthorpe, J. (2007) On Sociology. Volume two. 2nd edition. Stanford University Press
- Wilkinson, R. and Pickett, k. (2010): The spirit level. Why equality is better for everyone. Penguin Press
- T.Fahey, H. Russell, C.T. Whelan (2007, eds): Best of Times? The social impact of the Celtic tiger. Dublin: IPA
Assessment
Part One of the Module will be assessed by course work (50%)
Part Two of the Module will be assessed by exam (50%)
Attendance at tutorials and lectures is compulsory. In each of the teaching terms missing more than three seminars will result in a 10% deduction (one full grade) from the overall module grade
Date for submission: TBA
Penalties for late submission: Without an authorised extension, the mark given will be lowered by one grade