Demonstrate a critical awareness of internal processes in the ways in which the family operates as a system of relationships and those which relate to the wider society.

Module Overview

This module provides the opportunity to explore internal processes, the ways in which the family operates as a system of relationships, and those, relating to the wider society.  Issues of disability, in this context, will be examined alongside other major social divisions of class, gender, race/ethnicity, age and sexual orientation.  The content will include the study of family transitions, family structures, support and care within families and implications for service provision.

The module will also focus on the concept of “lifestyle”, the impact of consumerism upon modern culture and its implications for the lives of disabled people.  Students will explore the opportunities and limitations contemporary society places in the way of disabled people determining their own lifestyles and of disabled people’s responses to these.  This will involve an examination of the barriers and opportunities faced by disabled people in daily life in social institutions. 

Lectures, seminars and practical group work will be used to provide opportunities for gaining and sharing information, debating issues and exploring the students own values and attitudes.  Tutorial support and directed learning will be used to enhance individual preparation and consolidation of material. 

This module has a discussion forum for exchange and sharing of information and ideas.  If you have any questions about the module they should be directed through the forum rather than emailing tutors directly.  The purpose of the forum is that frequently asked questions are likely to have already been answered on the forum and by looking at it you could find the answer to your query quickly. 

The module will be assessed in two parts, through group presentation and a written assignment.

 Main Aims

1. To explore the internal processes and ways in which the family operates as a system of relationships, and those which relate to the wider society.
2. To explore disability in relations to other social divisions, inequalities and forms of discrimination in present day western society.
3. To examine restrictions and barriers which limit and shape processes of family transition.
4. To critically analyse the processes of care and support provided both within and for families.
5. To examine the concept of ‘lifestyle as a personal project’ and the limitations and possibilities of disabled people determining their own lifestyles.
6. To explore how a disabling society impacts on disabled people’s life-course and experiences in social institutions.

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of internal processes in the ways in which the family operates as a system of relationships and those which relate to the wider society.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of disability in relations to other social divisions, inequalities and forms of discrimination in present day western society.
3. Analyse restrictions and barriers which limit and shape processes of family transitions, in the interplay between political, social and economic change, and change for the individual.
4. Critically analyse processes of care and support provided both within and for families.
5. Discuss the concept of ‘lifestyle as a personal project’ and the limitations and possibilities of disabled people determining their own lifestyles.
6. Analyse the impact of a disabling society on disabled people’s life-course and experiences in social institutions.

Delivery

Teaching will usually take the form of a lecture to the whole year group, followed by hour-long seminars in which you will be divided into smaller groups.

Seminars will consist of discussions around the lecture content informed by additional reading of suggested journal articles and relevant literature.  During the seminars students will also lead discussions on their own experiences and understanding of disability in relation to the module themes.