Demonstrate an understanding of external societal factors which impact on health
PROGRAMME: FdA Health and Social Care Studies
Module Number: FHSC 104
Module Title: Introduction to Sociology
Assignment 1: one case study essay
Assessed Learning Outcomes: at the end of this module you will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of sociology as a distinctive discipline (LO1)
2. Demonstrate an understanding of external societal factors which impact on health (LO2)
3. Apply sociological theories to a range of health and social care issues (LO3)
4. Analyse data related to health and inequality (LO4)
Assignment 1 – Case Study Essay:
The aim of this assessment is to develop your sociological knowledge and apply sociological concepts to real-life scenarios based on a case study scenario provided (see attached sheet). The word count is 2750 words.
Your assignment should address the following questions:
1. What external societal factors impact health?
2. What sociological theories exist to explain the range of health and social care issues addressed in the case study?
3. What sociological theories exist to explain the inequalities in health and well-being addressed in the case study?
4. Does any data exist to explain the inequalities addressed in the case study and is it reliable?
This assessment will form 100% of your overall grade for this module and addresses LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4.
Assessment
You are required to attempt all aspects of the assignment. The grading criteria associated with assessment are outlined above. Your submission must contain a reference list and bibliography including all material consulted, together with any electronic databases you have used.
The Harvard referencing system must be correctly applied.
To avoid penalties associated with Academic Misconduct and Plagiarism you should refer to the University and College Regulations detailed in your course handbook, or contact your course tutor for guidance.
Word length
If a word count has been given, you will not be penalised if you are within 10% of this figure, however those that are considerably different may have marks deducted. Please ensure you include a word count at the end of the assignment.
Support Texts
A list of recommended texts for all modules can be found in the Course Handbook.
FdA Health and Social Care Studies
FHSC 104 Introduction to Sociology Assessment – Case study
Case Study
Susan is a 60 years old woman who lives alone in rented accommodation. Susan divorced her husband after 20 years of marriage due to enduring years of physical and emotional abuse and as a consequence, brought her three children up largely as a single mother. Susan re-married in her 40’s but her second husband died when he was 58 of a heart attack. Susan was a care assistant and part-time cleaner for many years but stopped working at the age of 55 due to having a bad back and developing arthritis in both of her hands. Susan’s arthritis is worsening and the pain in her joints flare up during the cold winter months. This is exacerbated by her flat being damp in the winter and Susan not having enough money to heat her home. Over the years, Susan has started to withdraw from social activities due to struggling financially which often leaves her feeling lonely and isolated. Susan has three grandchildren and gets depressed before Christmas due to worrying about how she will afford to buy Christmas presents. Although Susan struggles financially, she is a heavy smoker and enjoys a few glasses of wine every evening. Susan does not have a healthy diet and tends to buy cheaper food which often comprises of tinned and packet foods, and processed meat with little fruit and vegetables in her diet. The doctor has told Susan that her unhealthy lifestyle is harmful to her health but she is not willing to give up the few comforts she feels she has in life. Susan missed a recent doctor’s appointment due to transport issues as she can’t afford to run a car and the nearest bus link is a mile away from where she lives. Susan has a history of mental health difficulties and struggled emotionally when her children were young, drinking heavily. When under the influence of alcohol, Susan often became depressed and self-harmed on many occasions, she also frequently attempted suicide. Susan has been on medication for many years for her depression, takes strong medication for her arthritis and is also heavily reliant on sleeping tablets. Susan does not see her children and grandchildren as much as she would like and often feels very lonely.
