,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 way society organizes itself to ensure
that individuals and groups function in harmony. It involves the
rules, norms, values, and institutions that guide behavior,
ensuring stability, predictability, and cooperation among people.
Social order can be maintained through formal systems like law
enforcement or informal mechanisms like social norms and peer
pressure.
1.2 Define the concept of socialism. (3)
Socialism is a political and economic system in which the means
of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated
by the community as a whole. It emphasizes collective
ownership and control, with the goal of reducing social
,inequalities and ensuring that wealth and resources are
distributed more equally among all members of society.
1.3 Explain what is meant by the following terms and give
one example of each:
a) Society (3)
Society refers to a group of individuals who share a common
culture, territory, and social institutions. It involves relationships
and patterns of behavior that are influenced by the norms and
values within that group. For example, a modern society can be
the United States, where people follow shared norms, laws, and
social practices.
b) Deviance (3)
Deviance refers to behaviors, actions, or characteristics that
violate the norms or expectations of a particular society or social
group. It is the departure from social norms that can lead to
sanctions or disapproval. An example of deviance could be
someone committing theft, which is generally seen as a
violation of societal rules and laws.
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 could
be taught by encouraging critical thinking, discussions on social
issues, and activities that challenge students’ understanding of
existing norms. Teachers can introduce concepts like social
equality, justice, and diversity, enabling students to reflect on
, their own social roles and the impact of societal changes. Group
work and debates on contemporary social issues could also be
effective in fostering new social patterns among students.
1.5 What are the assumptions about the theory of symbolic
interactionism? Give a short description of each assumption.
(5)
Symbolic interactionism is a micro-level theory in sociology that
focuses on the symbols and meanings individuals attach to their
social world. Its assumptions include:
1. Humans act based on the meanings they have for
things: People’s actions are shaped by their perceptions
and interpretations of the world around them.
2. Meaning is derived from social interaction: Our
understanding of the world comes from our interactions
with others, such as family, friends, and society at large.
3. Meanings are modified through an interpretive process:
As individuals interact, they interpret and redefine
meanings based on experiences and new information,
making meanings dynamic.
4. Humans are social beings: Human behavior cannot be
understood in isolation; it must be understood within the
context of social relationships and interactions.
5. The self is created through social interaction: Individuals
form their identities and sense of self through interactions
with others, developing a view of who they are in relation
to others.
(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 way society organizes itself to ensure
that individuals and groups function in harmony. It involves the
rules, norms, values, and institutions that guide behavior,
ensuring stability, predictability, and cooperation among people.
Social order can be maintained through formal systems like law
enforcement or informal mechanisms like social norms and peer
pressure.
1.2 Define the concept of socialism. (3)
Socialism is a political and economic system in which the means
of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated
by the community as a whole. It emphasizes collective
ownership and control, with the goal of reducing social
,inequalities and ensuring that wealth and resources are
distributed more equally among all members of society.
1.3 Explain what is meant by the following terms and give
one example of each:
a) Society (3)
Society refers to a group of individuals who share a common
culture, territory, and social institutions. It involves relationships
and patterns of behavior that are influenced by the norms and
values within that group. For example, a modern society can be
the United States, where people follow shared norms, laws, and
social practices.
b) Deviance (3)
Deviance refers to behaviors, actions, or characteristics that
violate the norms or expectations of a particular society or social
group. It is the departure from social norms that can lead to
sanctions or disapproval. An example of deviance could be
someone committing theft, which is generally seen as a
violation of societal rules and laws.
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 could
be taught by encouraging critical thinking, discussions on social
issues, and activities that challenge students’ understanding of
existing norms. Teachers can introduce concepts like social
equality, justice, and diversity, enabling students to reflect on
, their own social roles and the impact of societal changes. Group
work and debates on contemporary social issues could also be
effective in fostering new social patterns among students.
1.5 What are the assumptions about the theory of symbolic
interactionism? Give a short description of each assumption.
(5)
Symbolic interactionism is a micro-level theory in sociology that
focuses on the symbols and meanings individuals attach to their
social world. Its assumptions include:
1. Humans act based on the meanings they have for
things: People’s actions are shaped by their perceptions
and interpretations of the world around them.
2. Meaning is derived from social interaction: Our
understanding of the world comes from our interactions
with others, such as family, friends, and society at large.
3. Meanings are modified through an interpretive process:
As individuals interact, they interpret and redefine
meanings based on experiences and new information,
making meanings dynamic.
4. Humans are social beings: Human behavior cannot be
understood in isolation; it must be understood within the
context of social relationships and interactions.
5. The self is created through social interaction: Individuals
form their identities and sense of self through interactions
with others, developing a view of who they are in relation
to others.
