Introductory description

This module provides an overview of the intersection of social work and diverse social identity. It examines how, at different points, people’s identities are shaped by their social, political, economic and cultural locations. There will be a focus on how inequality, adversity and oppression can significantly affect people’s experiences. Thompson’s PCS model and the concept of ‘intersectionality’ will frame the learning.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Module launch and introduction.
Applying theory – labelling and social identity theory, intersectionality and thompson’s pcs model.
Presentation preparation time.
Poverty, inequality and class.
Sex and gender.
Religion.
Impairment, disability and disablism.
‘race’ and ethnicity.
Sexuality and heterosexism.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Recognise the significance of social divisions, and how inequality adversity and oppression can affect people’s lives.
• Demonstrate how individuals are located within social systems and structures.
• Describe key theoretical models to help to understand social diversity in the UK.
• Analyse the way that social work involves balancing the use of power as well as challenging oppressions and the difficulties this can create.

Indicative reading list

Core text:
Thompson, N. (2016) Anti-Discriminatory Practice (6th edition). Basingstoke, Palgrave. Helpful texts:
Bhatti-Sinclair, K. (2011). Anti-Racist Practice in Social Work. Basingstoke: Palgrave
Macmillan.
Cunningham, J. and Cunningham, S. (2014) Sociology and Social Work (2nd edition). London, Learning Matters.
Deacon, L. and Macdonald, S. (2017) Social Work Theory and Practice. London, Learning Matters.
Dominelli, L. (2018). Anti-Racist Social Work (4th edition). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Harris, J. and White, V. (2013) Oxford Dictionary of Social Work and Social Care. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Ingleby, E. (2018) Applied Sociology for Social Work. London, Sage.
Llewelyn, A., Agu, L. and Mercer, D. (2015) Sociology for Social Workers (2nd edition). Cambridge, Polity Press.
Musson, P. (2017) Making Sense of Theory and its Application to Social Work Practice. St Albans, Critical Publishing.
Payne, G., (ed). (2013) Social Divisions (3rd edition). Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.
Priestley, M. (2003) Disability: A Life Course Approach. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Warwick-Booth, L. (2013) Social Inequality. London, Sage.
Yuill, C. and Gibson, A. (2011) Sociology for Social Work: An Introduction. London, Sage.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Apprentices will be able to recognise the significance of social divisions, and how inequality adversity and oppression can affect people’s lives. Demonstrate how individuals are located within social systems and structures
Describe key theoretical models to help to understand social diversity in the UK. Analyse the way that social work involves balancing the use of power as well as challenging oppressions and the difficulties this can create.

Transferable skills

These include appropriate listening and communication skills, self-awareness, emotional intelligence/empathy, problem solving, time management/organisational skills.