COVENANT UNIVERSITY OTA
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
2012/2013 ACADEMIC SESSION
COURSE CODE: Soc 312
COURSE TITLE: Social Inequality
UNITS: 2
COURSE LECTURER: Dr (Mrs.) Tayo George
SEMESTER: Alpha
OFFICE NO-D206A , Ext.2182
TIME: Monday, 2-4pm
LOCATION: A201, CDS Building
Brief Overview
This course analyses the various forms and functions of social inequality prevalent in contemporary
societies. It provides an in-depth understanding of social inequality in the Nigerian context and offers
theoretical explanations concerning the origins, persistence and consequences of social stratification.
Types of social mobility and their impact on stratified structures are extensively discussed. Finally, the
phenomenon of poverty as a social problem is critically examined.
Course Objectives/Goals
At the end of this course, students are expected to:
1. Understand the reality of social inequality prevalent in our societies and also investigate the
functions/ dysfunctions for the society.
2. Be familiar with basic concepts such as social stratification, social class, social status, social
mobility, power, class consciousness and awareness etc.
3. Gain in-depth knowledge about the origin, persistence and consequence of poverty and
inequality.
4. Be familiar with topical issues on social inequality and poverty, and should be able to profer
brilliant and workable solutions to ameliorate these problems currently plaguing the society.
Method of Lecture Delivery/ Teaching Aids
Prepared lecture notes are given to students to photocopy and study well ahead of lecture period. This is
done to familiarize them with topic of discussion during lectures.
The lecture notes are explained in detail and student are given opportunity to contribute to class
discussions and ask questions in order to clarify difficult areas.
The method for teaching this course shall be discussion of lecture notes and relevant materials as well as
class participation of students.
Module 1: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL INEQUALITY
Week 1: General overview of social inequality and introduction of students to course objectives, study
outline, test and examination requirement and suggested reading materials.
Module 2 : DEFINITION OF BASIC CONCEPTS
Week 2 & 3: Social Inequality, Social stratification, Social class, Social status, Power and Authority.
Module 3 : THEORIES OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
Week 4 -6: Functionalist perspective by Davis Kingsley & Wilbert Moore, Conflict perspective by Karl
Marx and Max Weber’s multidimensional view. Criticism of the theories and the dysfunctions of social
inequality
Module 4 : DIMENSIONS OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION: THE BASIS OF STRATIFYING
PEOPLE
Week 7 & 8: (i) Economic Stratification (wealth & income) (ii) Political Power Stratification
(iii) Gender Stratification, (Education, Job placement) (iv) Racial and Ethnic Stratification
Module 5 : THE STRUCTURE OF STRATIFICATION SYSTEMS
Week 9 & 10: (i) The Caste model (ii) The Estate model and (iii) The Class model
Module 6: SOCIAL MOBILITY AND THE CONCEPT OF POVERTY
Week 11 & 12: (i) Social mobility, types and factors affecting social mobility
(ii) The concept of poverty, meaning, types causes and resource allocation.
Module7
Week 13 & 14: Revision and examination
Structure of Programme/Method of Grading
Students will be assessed based on topics taught in class through continuous assessment and written
examination at the end of the semester. The continuous assessment includes mid-semester exam, written
test or take home assignment that carries 30 marks while the end of semester exam carries 70 marks
making a total of 100 marks allotted for the course.
Ground Rules and Regulations
Students are expected to attend lectures promptly as attendance will be taken at every lecture. Students
are required to read extensively the various topics in the course outline in addition to lecture notes,
suggested materials found in the library as well as the use of internet are parts of the activities required of
the students. Indeed, going the extra mile will enhance students to perform excellently in both the
continuous assessments and the exam.
Topics for Term paper/Assignment
To be determined in the course of the lectures during the semester.
Alignment with Covenant University Vision/Goals
The course aligns with Covenant University vision/goals in many ways. It provide students with basic
knowledge of social inequality, social stratification and social class evident in human society. The various
factors of social inequality was distilled. With the knowledge gained from this course, students are able to
proffer solutions to the problems of social Inequality, take giant steps to change their world and manifest
as new generation of leaders.
Contemporary Issues/Industry Relevance
Considering the inevitability of social inequality in every society and the fact that there is no classless
society, the requisite knowledge and skills to cope with societal challenges, poverty and related problems
of social inequality acquired by students offering this course makes it very relevant.
Recommended Texts
Eddiefloyd M. Igbo (2003). Basic Sociology first edition CIDJAP Press, Enugu.
John Macionis (2001). Sociology. 8th edition Prentice Hall New Jersey.
Haralambos & Holborn ( ). Sociology Themes and Perspectives 7th Edition. Harper
Collins Publishers Limited, London.
Lane David (1982). The end of Social Inequality :Class, Status and Power under
Socialism. Allen and Unwin, Winchester, M.A.
Richard J. Gelles and Ann Levine (1995) Study Guide for use with Sociology an
Introduction 6th Edition Mac Graw-Hill, USA.
Tumin, Melvin (1985) Social Stratification: The Forms and Functions of Social
Inequality, 2nd edition Englewood Ciff. NJ: Prentice Hall.
Moses Shoremi and Adewale Oyekunle (ed.) (2002) The Social Structure of
Contemporary African Societies. Krafts Books Limited, Ibadan.
*Internet facilities, Journals and any Sociology text.