Suss social work interview

This is a closed-book examination. At the end of the examination Please ensure that you have written your examination number on each answer book used. Failure to do so will mean that your work cannot be identified. If you have used more than one answer book, please tie them together with the string provided. THE UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO MARK YOUR SCRIPT IF YOU FAIL TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS. SOC205 Copyright © 2019 Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Examination – January Semester 2019 Page 1 of 3 SECTION A: Short-Answer Questions (Total 30 marks) Answer TWO questions in this section. You should spend about 20 minutes on each question. Question 1 Explain the two different approaches to understanding social stratification that you have encountered in the course, and discuss which one is more suitable for understanding stratification in Singapore. In your answer, briefly and critically examine the role of meritocracy in contributing to inequality. (15 marks) Question 2 Significant differences in consumption abilities and choices can destabilise a society. Demonstrate why (and to what extent) this is so, supporting your answer with examples relevant to Singapore today. (15 marks) Question 3 Critically question this statement: There is no room for independent intellectuals to contribute to public debate in Singapore. (15 marks) Question 4 The family unit in Singapore is largely dependent on the subordination of women. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with this statement and demonstrate your argument with examples. (15 marks) SOC205 Copyright © 2019 Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Examination – January Semester 2019 Page 2 of 3 SECTION B: Essay Questions (Total 70 marks) Answer TWO questions in this section. You should spend about 40 minutes on each question. Question 5 The written history of Singapore spans a 700-year period. However, only its colonial and post-independence eras are significant to the Singapore story. To what extent do you agree with this statement? In your response, demonstrate your understanding of Singapore’s historical legacies and discuss how they contribute to the country’s state-building and nation-building. (35 marks) Question 6 In Singapore, there is a need to ‘keep God in place’. Adopting a sociological lens, critically discuss this statement with reference to Singapore’s status as a multi-religious society. (35 marks) Question 7 Despite Singapore’s ideology of multiracialism, racism is still an issue in Singapore society. Analyse this statement, stating whether you agree with it and demonstrating your answer with examples. In your response, differentiate between the terms ‘race’, ‘ethnicity’ and ‘culture’. (35 marks) — END OF PAPER — SOC205 Copyright © 2019 Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Examination – January Semester 2019 Page 3