,SED2601 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS 2025
(209428) - DUE 25 June 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Question 1 Question 1 1.1 Discuss what is meant by the concept
of social order. (3) 1.2 Define the concept of socialism. (3) 1.3
Explain what is meant by the following terms and give one
example of each: a) Society (3) b) Deviance (3) 1.4 One of the
functions of sociology of education is the development of new
social patterns (see p5 in SoE). Briefly discuss how this aim
could be taught in the classroom. (3) 1.5 What are the
assumptions about the theory of symbolic interactionism? Give a
short description of each assumption. (5) [20]
1.1 Discuss what is meant by the concept of social order. (3)
Social order refers to the set of rules, norms, and structures in
society that create predictable behaviors and maintain stability
within a social system. It ensures that individuals adhere to
societal norms and laws, creating a sense of cooperation and
organization. Social order can be maintained through formal
institutions like the law, or informal practices such as social
expectations and peer pressure.
1.2 Define the concept of socialism. (3)
Socialism is an economic and political system where the means
of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated
by the community as a whole. The goal is to achieve social
,equality and reduce the disparity between the rich and poor by
redistributing wealth and ensuring that everyone has access to
resources like healthcare, education, and housing.
1.3 Explain what is meant by the following terms and give
one example of each:
a) Society (3)
Society is a group of individuals who live together in an
organized community, sharing common norms, values, and
institutions. A society can be a small group like a family or a
large group like a nation.
Example: The society of South Africa, where people live
together in a country with shared customs, laws, and culture.
b) Deviance (3)
Deviance refers to behaviors, actions, or conditions that violate
societal norms or expectations. Deviant acts can range from
minor infractions to serious crimes, depending on the severity of
the violation.
Example: Stealing, which is considered deviant because it
violates societal laws about property ownership.
1.4 One of the functions of sociology of education is the
development of new social patterns (see p5 in SoE). Briefly
discuss how this aim could be taught in the classroom. (3)
, In the classroom, the development of new social patterns can be
taught by encouraging students to critically evaluate and
challenge traditional social norms and expectations. This can be
done through activities like group discussions, role-playing, and
projects that focus on social issues such as gender, race, and
inequality. Teachers can also introduce diverse perspectives
through curriculum content, fostering an environment where
students are encouraged to think beyond conventional social
structures and contribute to the creation of progressive social
patterns.
1.5 What are the assumptions about the theory of symbolic
interactionism? Give a short description of each assumption.
(5)
Symbolic interactionism focuses on the symbolic meanings that
individuals create and interpret in their social interactions. It
emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior
through the meanings people attach to things, events, and
behaviors in their social worlds.
1. Humans act based on the meanings things have for
them: People do not react directly to stimuli but instead act
according to the meanings they attach to things and events.
Example: If a person sees a police officer, they may feel
fear or respect depending on their personal experiences and
perceptions of authority.
2. Meaning is created through social interaction: The
meanings attached to things and behaviors are not inherent
but are created and modified through social interactions
(209428) - DUE 25 June 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Question 1 Question 1 1.1 Discuss what is meant by the concept
of social order. (3) 1.2 Define the concept of socialism. (3) 1.3
Explain what is meant by the following terms and give one
example of each: a) Society (3) b) Deviance (3) 1.4 One of the
functions of sociology of education is the development of new
social patterns (see p5 in SoE). Briefly discuss how this aim
could be taught in the classroom. (3) 1.5 What are the
assumptions about the theory of symbolic interactionism? Give a
short description of each assumption. (5) [20]
1.1 Discuss what is meant by the concept of social order. (3)
Social order refers to the set of rules, norms, and structures in
society that create predictable behaviors and maintain stability
within a social system. It ensures that individuals adhere to
societal norms and laws, creating a sense of cooperation and
organization. Social order can be maintained through formal
institutions like the law, or informal practices such as social
expectations and peer pressure.
1.2 Define the concept of socialism. (3)
Socialism is an economic and political system where the means
of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated
by the community as a whole. The goal is to achieve social
,equality and reduce the disparity between the rich and poor by
redistributing wealth and ensuring that everyone has access to
resources like healthcare, education, and housing.
1.3 Explain what is meant by the following terms and give
one example of each:
a) Society (3)
Society is a group of individuals who live together in an
organized community, sharing common norms, values, and
institutions. A society can be a small group like a family or a
large group like a nation.
Example: The society of South Africa, where people live
together in a country with shared customs, laws, and culture.
b) Deviance (3)
Deviance refers to behaviors, actions, or conditions that violate
societal norms or expectations. Deviant acts can range from
minor infractions to serious crimes, depending on the severity of
the violation.
Example: Stealing, which is considered deviant because it
violates societal laws about property ownership.
1.4 One of the functions of sociology of education is the
development of new social patterns (see p5 in SoE). Briefly
discuss how this aim could be taught in the classroom. (3)
, In the classroom, the development of new social patterns can be
taught by encouraging students to critically evaluate and
challenge traditional social norms and expectations. This can be
done through activities like group discussions, role-playing, and
projects that focus on social issues such as gender, race, and
inequality. Teachers can also introduce diverse perspectives
through curriculum content, fostering an environment where
students are encouraged to think beyond conventional social
structures and contribute to the creation of progressive social
patterns.
1.5 What are the assumptions about the theory of symbolic
interactionism? Give a short description of each assumption.
(5)
Symbolic interactionism focuses on the symbolic meanings that
individuals create and interpret in their social interactions. It
emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior
through the meanings people attach to things, events, and
behaviors in their social worlds.
1. Humans act based on the meanings things have for
them: People do not react directly to stimuli but instead act
according to the meanings they attach to things and events.
Example: If a person sees a police officer, they may feel
fear or respect depending on their personal experiences and
perceptions of authority.
2. Meaning is created through social interaction: The
meanings attached to things and behaviors are not inherent
but are created and modified through social interactions
