Sociology

Parenting the French way

2012-02-09T22:14:51Z

A fascinating article about cross-cultural differences in parenting. It would make a great resource for discussing the question of ‘child-centred’ families.

Population statistics

2012-02-04T11:02:16Z

I’ve seen a number of interesting stories and programmes exploring ideas relating to population levels. The most recent was this morning on the BBC, asking if the number of people alive today (about 7 billion) outnumbers the number of people that have ever lived on earth. Most of these debates centre on the fear that at some point there will be too many people for the world to handle.

This could make for an interesting discussion about government policy and interventions, as well as highlighting some of the global inequalities.

If you are interested in exploring, or encouraging students to explore, this question further, then below are a selection of articles and programmes that might be worth reading and / or watching.

Do the dead outnumber the living

Are there too many people in the world?

How many people can live on planet Earth?

Media and Image

2012-01-29T13:14:06Z

This is a fantastic commentary of the images of women portrayed by the media, commenting on how they project an impossibly flawless ideal. Jean Kilbourne argues, not just that this image leads to increasing eating disorders and mental health issues among teenage girls, but that the objectification of women’s bodies contributes to a growth in violence against women.

Watch the video and see if you agree.

right to die - suicide

2012-01-27T18:52:42Z

This story of a man’s campaign to the right to die, would make an interesting contemporary update for those studying suicide in Unit 4. Read it here.

TED - videoed talks

2012-01-23T22:27:24Z

TED is a fantastic resources of talks on a multitude of subjects. Go and have a browse - you are sure to find something interesting / fun / challenging / useful / eye-opening…

I like this selection on ‘what makes us happy?’

Methods: strengths and weaknesses

2012-01-21T18:29:30Z

Some card sorting activities on methods, for GCSE or A level.
observation_sorting_activity.docx
Official_Statistics_sorting_activity.doc
questionnaires_sorting_activity.docx

Wikipedia ‘blackout’

2012-01-18T20:41:58Z

Wikipedia’s decision to stage a 24hour ‘blackout’, in response to threatened US legislation, should make an interesting discussion starter for anyone studying media and / or crime and deviance.

Feminism and Technology

2012-01-15T14:14:32Z

This year’s CES (Consumer Electronics Show) has caused some controversy, with companies employing ‘booth babes’ to help promote their products. You can watch a news clip here, featuring interviews with attendees and ‘babes’.

There is lots of scope to consider gender socialisation and stereotyping in relation to the technology industry, the role of the mass media (and corporates) in perpetuating such stereotypes, as well as feminist interpretations.

Evaluating Research methods

2012-01-15T13:50:34Z

A simple evaluation template for research methods.
methods_evaluation.doc

Single Sex education

2012-01-08T17:13:20Z

An article in the Guardian about the benefits of single sex education for girls. Read it here.

Routine and exam success

2012-01-03T20:35:24Z

Apologies for the radio silence, but I have been enjoying a well-earned holiday! I plan to upload some new resources as soon as I can grab a chance between A level re-sit revision sessions, but in the meantime, take a look at this article on the link between daily routine and exam grades.

Policing the riots

2011-12-20T10:50:03Z

The Home Office report on policing the riots. Essential reading for Crime and Deviance students.

Violence and terror - Bauman

2011-12-12T20:45:40Z

Zygmunt Bauman: ‘No one is in control. That is the major source of contemporary fear’ – video. For Zygmunt Bauman the world is marked by a division between power and politics. While politics is defined by nations, power no longer recognises national boundaries

Health - animated lecture

2011-12-11T08:12:02Z

Great animated video about research into the benefits of exercise. Watch it here.

Mass Media: Facebook

2011-12-08T21:01:28Z

Facebook provides plenty of fodder for lessons on the mass media at A level or GCSE. Try this story summarising what people are actually talking about on facebook the most.