Unit 8: The Sociological Context


Unit 8: The Sociological Context of Health and Social Care

Unit code:               F/601/1593

QCF level:               QCF Level 4/ NFQ Level 6

Credit value:          15


Aim

The aim of this unit is to help learners gain understanding of sociological concepts and their application to policy making and care practice in health and social care.

Unit abstract

This unit enables learners to gain understanding of the nature of contemporary society. Learners will explore how society is structured in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, social class, family and households. Learners will also consider the impact of marriage, partnership formation and relationship breakdown on health and wellbeing.

The focus of the unit will be to consider the impact that social inequalities in society have on policy-making and care practice in health and social care. Learners will examine the factors that contribute to health and wellbeing from sociological perspectives and will explore health inequalities. Learners will develop an understanding of how social factors influence the provision and delivery of health and social care services and their role as a key determinant affecting health and social care outcomes for individuals.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

  1. Understand the contemporary nature of society
  2. Understand how social inequalities influence the life chances and health status of individuals
  3. Understand sociological concepts and theory in relation to contemporary social and health issues.