Researching the Sociology Curriculum

Abstract

In his 1986 BSA Presidential address, Martin Albrow called for a positive affirmation of the value of the sociology degree as providing both a liberal and a broadly vocational education. People opt to study sociology ‘for their intellectual and personal betterment’ and because ‘it may provide a highly suitable education preparatory to work’. (Albrow 1986: 339) Only a small proportion of those graduating with a degree in sociology become full-time sociologists, whether in academia, research units or elsewhere. However, it might be claimed that many of them profitably use the skills, knowledge and abilities acquired from their sociological studies in their occupations and general life. To judge whether this might be a convincing case in support of the sociology degree, we need first of all to know what is taught and learned. This was the task of the BSA’s Degree Curriculum Sub-Committee, and the research which has been undertaken by the author to construct a picture of what is currently being taught.