Sociology of Care: caring and work (Spr) (L4095B)

15 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll use theory, policy and sociology to explore how and why people care (or do not care) for others. You’ll also consider the social factors that affect care and non-care.

You’ll develop a critical understanding of topical and historical key debates, such as:

• how care is constructed, contested and controlled
• who takes responsibility for, provides and receives care
• how these care positions are influenced by the state, professions and care markets
• the nature, experience and management of different care situations
• the social and cultural factors affecting care delivery
• the place of the carer’s and cared-for’s voices in professional and general perspectives, and user movements.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• History and Sociology BA
• International Relations and Sociology BA
• Philosophy and Sociology BA
• Politics and Sociology BA
• Sociology BA
• Sociology and International Development BA
• Sociology with a Language BA