Understanding issues sociologically and developing solutions

This week, Sociology BSc students enrolled in the Work-Based Project module Understanding Issues Sociologically and Developing Solutions presented the solutions they’ve identified to tackle issues experienced by local organisations. The presentation, held this Wednesday, 25 January, signified the culmination of months of research merging sociological theory with practical solutions.  

Students working in project teams showcased their findings to a panel of representatives from local organisations such as Camden Council and the Roma Support Group, as well as academic sociologists from IOE’s Department of Education, Practice and Society and the Social Research Institute.

Working both on- and off-site, students formed project teams to engage with local organisations and understand challenges they currently encounter. Using the knowledge they’ve learned in the classroom, students applied sociological theory and empirical research to develop solutions.  

The Camden Green Space Team and the Camden Night-Time Economy Team collaborated with Camden Council. The Green Space Team addressed the accessibility of Camden’s Talacre Town Green. They suggested the construction of recreational spaces, such as sheltered areas and a children’s play area to ensure the comfort and safety of female visitors to the park, especially those with caregiving responsibilities.  

The Night-time Economy Team aimed to improve inclusivity in the borough, particularly towards queer youth. Their solutions included welfare officers and reliable transportation to increase safety late in the evening, as well as designated queer nights to provide explicitly LGBTQIA+ spaces.  

The Roma Support Team addressed issues raised by the Roma Support Group with regards to overcoming prejudice and supporting Roma youth in the UK. After interviewing Roma youth to identify shared points of concern, they suggested monthly career talks to empower young people by providing them with role models, as well as a reading circle programme to build their confidence and language skills, while also fostering in-group connections. 

The Paiwand Staff Wellbeing Team, in collaboration with the Afghan Association Paiwand concentrated on improving staff wellbeing. To empower employees and increase workplace satisfaction, the team suggested in-person biweekly meetings to foster communication, in addition to staff counselling services. 

The ACAA Stakeholder Team and the ACAA Children Support Team worked with the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA). The Stakeholder Team aimed to develop ACAA’s connections both existing and new, and proposed that ACAA use social media to engage in conversation with their audience, build a recognisable platform, and forge new partnerships.  

The Children’s Support Team sought to assist the ACAA with the integration of Afghan refugee children, particularly at school, with a focus on the language barrier. Their proposed solutions included English as a second language programmes, as well as a handbook for parents on the English school system translated into Farsi and other languages. 

The module was led by Professor David Guile and supported by Postgraduate Teaching Assistant Yixuan Fan. Professor Guile said:  

"[In using their sociological knowledge and skills], students have developed the capability to make practical sociological decisions which are of enormous benefit for local organisations. They have therefore not only developed 21st century project team employability skills, but also developed what Lisa Nandy refers to as, 'All In' expertise: cross-sector collaboration to achieve a 'fairer, more equal, more prosperous country.'"

Links

• Sociology BSc
• About the Work-Based Project module
• Q&A with Professor David Guile
• Department of Education, Practice and Society
• Social Research Institute