Answer to Question #215568 in English for Remon

Question

3.1 What is identity? (4)

3.2 From a sociological perspective, discuss what is meant by:

i) Race (3)

ii) Diversity (3)

3.3 What is meant by access to schools? Proved an example of why access to South African schools is not always equal. (4)

3.4 Discuss the differences between ascribed and achieved characteristics. (6)

[20]

Answer 1

3.1 Identity is the qualities, beliefs, personality, looks and/or expressions that make a person (self-identity as emphasized in psychology) or group (collective identity as pre-eminent in sociology). ... Sociology places some explanatory weight on the concept of role-behavior.

3.2 (i) Race is defined to as a physical differences that are considered socially significant by groups and civilizations.

(ii) Differences in social categories such as color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, socio-economic status, nationality and citizenship, veteran and parental status, physical size, ability, age, and experience are all examples of diversity.

3.3 Access to schools is how educational institutions ensure that all students get equal opportunities in learning. It can also mean the ability to reach the educational institutions and the services offered by the institution. This is very evident mostly in public schools in rural areas.

The South African education system, characterized by crumbling infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms and relatively poor educational outcomes, is perpetuating inequality and as a result failing too many of its children, with the poor hardest hit according to a new report published by Amnesty International today.

South Africans are entitled to free, basic education through to further education and according to the Bill of Rights of the country's Constitution, the state has an obligation, through reasonable measures, to progressively make this education available and accessible.

3.4 Ascribed status refers to the position that the individual is born with. Achieved status, on the other hand, refers to the position that the individual achieves through his dedication, commitment, skills, and qualities.

Ascribed status is something that the individual inherits from birth, achieved status is something that the individual gains through hard work and talents. An example can be as; a woman is assigned a mother once she gives birth to her child. An achieved status is a position a person earns based on merit or one's choices. Secondly, Ascribed status cannot be controlled, whereas achieved status can be controlled and changed.