CULT1017 Understanding Society
CULT1017 Understanding Society
Assessment Three: Take-home case study
Case Study: Coronavirus, social change and social inequality
As discussed in the week 12 module, the coronavirus pandemic and its effects can be understood as an example of rapid, global social change. This is well summarised in the following article from one of your week 12 online learning activities:
https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2020/04/15/1380013/how-covid-19-is-changing-the-worldIn response to the serious health risks posed by the spread of coronavirus, people from around the world have, over the past two years, experienced adjustment in their work and study practices, social interactions and capacity to travel. The unprecedented impacts of the pandemic, including national lock downs, have severely impacted employment and therefore social and national economies. Social change and how coronavirus is reshaping individual lives, communities, governments and broader society, are topics of interest for sociologists. So too is the data that reveals the differential ways that the impacts of coronavirus are felt. In short, coronavirus heralds social change, but it also highlights existing social issues and inequalities throughout societies.
With this in mind, students are asked to read the following articles, which form the basis of a coronavirus case study:
https://theconversation.com/urban-aboriginal-people-face-unique-challenges-in-the-fight-against-coronavirus-136050COVID-19 exposes Australia's stark health inequalities and threatens to entrench them further - ABC Newshttps://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-might-be-recovering-from-coronavirus-but-getting-your-next-meal-remains-a-concern-for-manyAlarming but not unexpected: increase in domestic violence in NSW during Covid-19 crisis | Domestic violence | The GuardianCoronavirus Australia: Pandemic strips away the myth of equality (smh.com.au)Question:
Having considered the issues raised in the above articles, which form the basis of the case study, and drawing on 3 ACADEMIC SOURCES, students will provide a 500-word response to the following question:
What does the coronavirus pandemic reveal about social inequality and the enduring nature of social divisions in Australian society?
Detailed Instructions:
When writing your response, be sure to explain the key concepts like social inequality and social division with reference to relevant academic literature (your readings from the unit are a good place to start, followed by additional readings listed in the Readings & Resources list).
Once you have explained the key concepts then you should apply them to the coronavirus case study. This means drawing on examples from the articles above and analysing them sociologically.
In other words, you must think about what is presented in the media articles (e.g., what are the issues/problems identified, what type of inequality/division is being discussed, what social institutions are being reflected upon) and then consider how the sociological reading you have undertaken, and the concepts and theories discussed therein, help you to make sense of what is observed.
Your response should be written in an essay style, meaning it should contain an introduction, body and conclusion.
Your response should be referenced using Harvard referencing.
You must use 3 academic, sociological sources to support your discussion, which need to be cited in the body of your text and included in a reference list. For the purposes of this task, each chapter from the McCormack et. al (2018) textbook will be considered as 1 academic source.
Any of the empirical examples from the case study that you refer to or draw upon should also be referenced appropriately.
Length of submission: 500 words (+/- 10%)
Value: 25%
Learning Outcomes:
This assessment responds to unit learning outcomes 3, 4 and 5, which are to:
Identify relevant sources and assess approaches to and claims about social processes and institutions in contemporary society.
Apply a sociological understanding of power, social inequality and social change to case study materials.
Demonstrate reading, writing and referencing skills commensurate with university scholarship.
MARKING RUBRIC: ASSESSMENT THREE
Fail (0-49%)
Pass (50-64%) Credit (65-74%) Distinction (75-84%) High Distinction (85-100%)
Answers the Question
( /20 marks) Response does not effectively answer the question raised in the case study. The question may have been misinterpreted or the response was not based on relevant material and/or is frequently off topic.
The question has been answered satisfactorily. However, some aspects may have been better addressed than others and/or the response was occasionally off topic.
All aspects of the question have been addressed in a balanced fashion, and student has engaged with some of the case study materials. All aspects of the question have been addressed in a balanced fashion. A clear line of argument has been established and student has engaged with the case study materials. All aspects of the question have been addressed in a balanced fashion. The case study materials have been integrated into the response and a strong line of argument has been established.
Conceptual Understanding ( /20 marks) Submission contains frequent errors. It is not clear that the student has a satisfactory understanding of social inequality and social division. A basic understanding of social inequality and social division has been demonstrated. There is an over-reliance on lecture material and/or some errors or inaccuracies may be present. A satisfactory understanding of social inequality and social division has been demonstrated. Some minor inaccuracies may be present but there is a clear attempt to engage with published academic sources on the topic.
Submission demonstrates a good understanding of social inequality and social division, which is well supported by academic literature. Student has been able to define/explain concepts and/or use them correctly. Submission reveals a very good understanding of social inequality and social division. Student has been able to draw on academic sources to discuss the interconnections between the concepts and/or engage with relevant theories.
Application of sociological knowledge
( /20 marks) Case study materials are described with no application of sociological concepts, or sociological concepts are discussed with little reference to the case study. Work is largely descriptive, but student has tried to apply at least one relevant concept to at least one article from the case study. More examples from the case study would be helpful and/or further elaboration is required.
The analysis could be strengthened, but student has made a clear attempt to apply one or more relevant concepts to two or more of the case study materials. Relevant concepts have been applied convincingly to the case study materials. Relevant examples have been chosen. Very good application of relevant concepts to the case study materials. The case study materials have been dealt with in a cohesive way, parallels are drawn between them and/or highly relevant examples have been chosen. Response is original and/or analytical.
Structure
( /15 marks) Work is poorly structured. There is no real introduction, body and conclusion. Disorganised/incoherent structure. Some problems but clear attempt has been made to provide introduction, body and conclusion. The response is reasonably cohesive and consists of an introduction, body and conclusion. Good organisation of material, which helps to strengthen the argument. Some minor improvements could be made with respect to linking key points.
Very good organisation of material. There is a clear, logical flow and good sense of argument.
Expression
( /15 marks) Work is poorly written. Frequent spelling/grammatical errors. Overall meaning is not clear. Meaning is mostly clear but problems with spelling, grammar, syntax and/or word choice cloud the argument from time to time. Work is reasonably well written, though some improvements could be made with respect to language/tone and/or spelling and grammar.
Work is well written with only very minor spelling/grammatical errors. Work is extremely well-written. Language is appropriate to academic writing and aids overall clarity of argument.
Referencing
( /10 marks) Student has not referenced their work sufficiently. No reference list provided and/or multiple missing in-text citations. Student has made clear attempt to reference. There may be some inconsistencies with referencing style or some errors. Student has made clear attempt to reference their work using Harvard style. Some minor errors are present.
Submission is thoroughly referenced. Submission is very well referenced.
