Contemporary Debates

Learning outcome 1: Demonstrate an understanding of relevant debates relevant to social science.

Learning outcome 2: Be able to link the role of professional practice and the influences on diverse groups.

Learning outcome 3: Analyse political and social factors which influence debates concerned with social inclusion.

Learning outcome 4: Understand the role of research in social science and be able to identify and use relevant research related material critically as evidence in an argument.

Assignment task: Please choose ONE of the following questions and answer it in an essay of 2,000 words. Use the structure provided as a guide for your essay but remove sub-headings before you submit your work.

Discuss with relevant examples the role of the pharmaceutical industry in fostering good and bad medicalization.

Introduction - what is the task about and how do you plan to complete it?

Main Body - definition of concepts e.g., ‘medicalization. What is the role of the pharmaceutical industry? Provide examples to support your answer. Is disease mongering influenced by the pharmaceutical industry? Remember to use paragraphs and provide in-text reference.
Conclusion - summary of your argument and the position you take on the discussion Reference list
"The last stages of life in late old age are a ‘living death' devoid of dignity or value" (Kellehear, 2007). Discuss.

Introduction - what is the task about and how do you plan to complete it?

Main Body - definition of concepts i.e., ‘end-of-life'. Discuss this within the broader framework of palliative or end-of-life care. What are the arguments regarding death and dying? What is the role of medical technology? Remember to use paragraphs and provide in-text references.
Conclusion - summary of your argument and the position you take on the discussion i.e. do you agree or disagree with the statement or do you have a balanced position?

Reference list

What are the sociological concerns around medical screening?

Introduction - what is the task about and how do you plan to complete it?

Main Body - definition of concepts i.e. ‘medical screening' what are the types of screening and when are they used. Provide examples of government screening programs, campaigns for screening etc. Why are sociologists interested in screening? Discuss the sociological arguments. Provide examples where possible to demonstrate the point, including the benefits and challenges? Remember to use paragraphs and references.
Conclusion - summary of your argument and the position you take on the discussion. Reference list
4. ‘The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards have brought
significant changes to health and social care in the UK'. Discuss with examples of to illustrate this.

Introduction - what is the task about and how do you plan to complete it?

Main Body - The law and the historical background. What are the key principles that underpin the law? Highlight the key concepts such as rights, autonomy, mental capacity, least restrictive option and best interest etc. and discuss how they have shaped health and social care. This means you will be showing the difference between practice today with what was happening (for e.g. paternalism, duty of care and risks) in the past. Provide examples to support your answer. For e.g. relevant court judgements and other research reports. Remember to use paragraphs and references.

Conclusion - summary of your argument and the position you take on the discussion i.e. do you agree or disagree with the statement or do you have a balanced position?