Assessment 3 – Final Project (35%)
Final Project
A 2000-word project consisting of three parts.
Due: Sunday of Week 11
Throughout the trimester, we discuss several serious social issues (e.g., family violence, inequality, poverty, mental health, addiction) and also examine various sociological perspectives (theories) that allow us to view these issues from different angles, taking into account their underlying causes. In this project, students will have an opportunity to begin analysing potential solutions to social issues. The assignment is designed to improve students’ ability to apply unit concepts and theories to real-world situations and develop their analytical skills in community service.
To complete this project, students should answer several questions from three parts:
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The first part (Analysis of Social determinants) will focus on Sarah’s case study. Students will analyse this case study similarly to how we analysed the George case from week 8.
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The second group of questions (Analysis of a Local Organisation) will be about a real, local organisation that assists people with needs similar to Sarah’s.
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Finally, the third group of questions (Analysis of the Government Response) will require students to analyse how the Australian government tries to address the issues related to Sarah’s case.
In this assignment, students must draw on the required and recommended readings and 3-6 other academic texts (peer reviewed), such as journal articles and academic books. Students may also use the information found on the websites of the Australia Federal or state governments or Australian non-government or peak organisations, and other online resources.
BRIEF INSTRUCTIONS:
Hint: For this assessment, it is recommended to review the case study of George from the Week 8 lecture. Revisit the lesson to remember how sociology can help us understand his health issues, identify potential social causes underlying them, and explore ways to help George overcome these issues and address similar issues in society more broadly.
The final project should include each of the following components: Part 1: Analysis of Social determinants
Sarah’s case study:
Sarah is a 58-year-old First Nations Australian woman.
She has experienced domestic violence and has alcohol addiction.
Sarah struggles with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Sarah is currently homeless, lacking stable housing and support systems.
- What does sociology tell us about Sarah’s case? Identify the social determinants that can affect Sarah’s health and the other issues she faces (e.g., access to healthcare, her socioeconomic status).
Hint: Read the required reading for Week 8, as well as the relevant recommended readings, and identify the social determinants that can affect Sarah’s health. Explain why these factors are significant, and provide references with page numbers where applicable.
What other issues, in addition to health, does she experience? What might lead to these issues?
Part 2: Analysis of a Local Organisation
Identify one local non-government organisation in your state (better in the local area where you live) that addresses the social problems related to Sarah’s case. For instance, if you are interested in family violence, you could choose a local domestic violence shelter (it should be in your state and city). If you are interested in alcohol misuse, you could choose a local rehabilitation program. Your answer should include:
2.Examining the organisation’s website and any of its publications, such as newsletters, brochures, or interviews of the service users or workers in the media.
Describe what sources of information you use and provide references: - Explaining the purpose and goals of the organisation, as well as the larger social issue it addresses (provide references).
- Discuss two theories that support the organisation’s efforts to address this issue. In other words, what theoretical ideas underpin the organisation’s efforts regarding this social issue? For example, does Marxist theory implicitly inform the organisation’s mission and goals?
Example: (Do not use this organisation and an example of service in your project; choose others)
A feminist theory can be applied to analyse how the organisation of the Red Cross (Reference to the organisation’s website) tries to address gender inequalities, such as the specific needs of gender minorities or gendered vulnerable groups (Reference to the source about feminist theory). The concept of intersectionality helps to focus on how gender intersects with other social characteristics and identities such as asylum seeker status to analyse their influence on vulnerability and unequal opportunities (Reference to the source about intersectionality). For example, in a refugee camp, women face additional challenges such as sexual violence and lack of healthcare services. The Red Cross tries to address these issues by providing women with women’s health services (Reference to the organisation’s webpage with the information about this service). - Analyse how the goals and purposes of this organisation align with Sarah’s case. Consider why Sarah might not receive adequate help from this organisation (using sociological perspectives, for example, focusing on broader social inequalities in society).
Part 3: Analysis of the Government Response - Analyse how the Australian government has responded to the social issue you identified in Sarah’s case. In your analysis, consider how the constitutional structure of Australia’s government (division of powers between federal and state governments) affects the policy response.
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Refer to specific policies, programs, or initiatives at both federal and state levels.
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Use references from government websites and policy documents where appropriate. - What policies should be considered to reduce the number of people in situations like Sarah’s?
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Suggest potential improvements that could help reduce the number of people experiencing situations like Sarah’s.
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Support your response with evidence from academic literature, government reports, or policy advocacy materials.
