This subject aims to introduce students to some of the major debates within the social sciences, such as between quantitative approaches to social research and more interpretative methods, or between theories which stress the role of social structure in determining behaviour and those which focus on individual action. It does this through selected case studies of key contemporary social questions, such as: Does welfare reduce or perpetuate disadvantage? How racist are Australians? Do Australians trust their politicians less than they used to? Are crime and violence increasing? Is inequality on the increase in Australia? In answering these questions, the subject will use perspectives from the social science disciplines of Sociology, Anthropology, Politics and Legal Studies.

Subject rules