FDY3003 Exploring the Social World Assignment Essay – Arden University UK

Task summary:

Discuss and apply the theories and concepts that you have been introduced to on this module to your interpretation of the provided social scenarios. You can rely on the sources of information that are available to you through iLearn.

You should include a separate reference list for each scenario.

Assignment instructions:

For this assessment, you are required to read and respond to both the scenarios below using a structured discussion-style essay for each response.

Scenario 1: Psychology and Criminology (1000 words)

For scenario 1, consider and apply the following themes: Social Influence, Crowd Behaviour, Legal Principles

The Consequences of Drunk Driving

It is a Saturday night, and a group of underage Year 12 (16–17-year-old) students including Jake, Lily, Ethan and Mia are at a house party hosted by an older friend, Ryan. The atmosphere is lively, the music is loud, and alcohol is being freely passed around despite most of the attendees being underage. At first Jake refuses to drink, knowing it is illegal and unsafe. However, Ryan and other friends tease him, saying, “Come on, everyone’s drinking! Don’t be boring.” Under the pressure to fit in Jake gives in and takes a drink. Soon others follow, feeling compelled to do the same because everyone else is participating.

As the party winds down, Ethan, who has been drinking, suggests driving everyone home, even though he does not have a full license and is clearly intoxicated. Lily hesitates but eventually agrees, thinking, “If everyone else is getting in, it must be okay.” Jake and Mia, though unsure, follow along, influenced by the group’s
collective decision.

On the drive home Ethan loses control of the car, due to impaired judgment, and crashes into another vehicle. The crash results in severe injuries to Mia and the driver of the other car. The police arrive at the scene and Ethan is found to be over the legal blood alcohol limit. He is arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including underage drinking, driving under the influence (DUI), and reckless endangerment. The victims’ families file lawsuits for damages caused by the accident.

Please use the following headings to structure your essay response:

1. Introduction

2. Social Influence

3. Crowd Behaviour

4. Legal Principles

5. Conclusion

Scenario 2: The Sociological Imagination and Law (1000 words)

For scenario 2, consider and apply the following themes: Historical Context,
Structural Factors, Cultural Norms and Media Representations, Personal vs. Public
Issues

Gender inequality in the workplace

Aisha, a 28-year-old woman, works in the finance sector of a company. She has
recently had a baby and has returned to work after maternity leave. Despite her qualifications and experience, she finds that her male colleagues are being promoted at a faster rate than she is. She also notices subtle biases, such as being excluded from high-profile projects and assumptions that she is less committed to her career due to her motherhood responsibilities.

Aisha tries to remain optimistic and dedicated, hoping her hard work will eventually speak for itself. She volunteers for additional responsibilities, stays late when needed, and consistently meets her targets. However, during a team meeting, she notices her ideas are often overlooked until echoed by male colleagues, who then receive credit. She begins to doubt whether her contributions are being valued at all.

Meanwhile, a junior male colleague with less experience is appointed to lead a major client project—one Aisha had expressed interest in and had relevant experience for. Seeking clarity, Aisha approaches her manager to discuss her career progression.  While he listens politely, he vaguely suggests that the timing isn’t right for her to take on more demanding roles, subtly referencing her “work-life balance.” Frustrated and disheartened, Aisha starts researching company policies and diversity initiatives, only to find that while there are statements about equality, few tangible measures are in place. She begins documenting incidents and considers reaching out to HR, though she worries about being labelled difficult or ungrateful.

As her confidence wavers, Aisha also begins to connect with other women in the company, discovering that many have faced similar roadblocks. Together, they begin to envision pushing for systemic change.

Please use the following headings to structure your essay response:

1. Introduction

2. Applying the sociological imagination

3. Analysis of structural and cultural factors

4. Broader workplace inequalities

5. Possible solutions and legal protections

Learning outcomes (LO)

By completing this assessment, you will have shown and be assessed on all four of the learning outcomes:

1. LO 1 Show an understanding of the nature, causes, and extent of social phenomena.

2. LO 2 Discuss academic perspectives, centred on sociological and social psychology, on selected social issues.

3. LO 3 Use academic sources of information to support an academic argument.

4. LO 4 Graduate Attribute: Professionally knowledgeable in the subject area.

You will be graded based on how well you meet these learning outcomes.
Your marker will use a rubric to grade your work, and you can find this on the “My Assessment” tab on the module iLearn page.