SOC105: (Introduction to Sociology) After your observational study, write a commentary where you explain and deconstruct the nature of social life within an HDB.

Module / Subject / School:

SOC105: Introduction to Sociology

Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

Requirements: 

Question (100 marks)

“Housing is a social activity.” (Louis Wirth, urban sociologist)

And it is an important field for sociological research. In this assignment you will carry out an observational study of any Housing Development Board (HDB) complex. Commit at least two hours to this endeavor, during which you will observe 1) different public and private spaces, 2) activities that take place, and 3) people, encompassing both residents and non-residents. Take note of the details.

After your observational study, write a commentary where you explain and deconstruct the nature of social life within an HDB. You could consider questions such as:

a) Are the spaces designed to encourage residents to socialise? If so, how? If not, why not?

b) Do adults and children from different ethnic groups interact and spend time together? If so, why? If not, what might be the reasons?

c) What kind of social and emotional support is available for the elderly in an HDB? You are also free to explore any other topics of sociological relevance that capture your interest.

Student notes:

This assessment is meant to develop your basic sociological skills, namely observation and analysis. If your study is based on the HDB complex where you reside, make sure you spend the same amount of time observing because you need to develop your researcher’s eye. Since the nature of activities can fluctuate with the time of day, take this into account in your analysis.

You need not be limited to the suggested questions; you can explore other questions and ideas based on what you see, feel, and experience. Remember, your commentary should not just describe what you have observed; it should also explain and deconstruct these observations, as analysis holds equal importance to description.

Write your answers in 1,000 words. Please remember to provide the word count, and list of references. Be sure to use appropriate and academic sources, including your course material.

Make certain to fill in the self-declaration form (a copy is available under your course site on Canvas > L group > Modules) and include the completed form as a cover page for your submission (A penalty of 5 marks deduction will be imposed if this self-declaration form is incomplete, inaccurate, or missing. No appeals concerning the self-declaration form will be entertained).

What we score:

79%

Our Writer’s Comment 

This assignment is designed to assess students’ understanding of business practices.

To secure an A+ grade, adhere to these guidelines and make sure your work aligns with the grading criteria:

1. Develop a Researcher’s Mindset

When you’re out there observing, really immerse yourself in the environment. Spend the full two hours with a focus on being as objective as possible—think of yourself as an outsider looking in. This mindset helps you notice the little details that are often the most telling. Take plenty of notes, and don’t just focus on what’s happening but also on what’s not happening. The absence of interaction can be just as important as the presence of it.

2. Structure Your Observation

Before you start, it might help to have a loose plan. Think about which public and private spaces you want to observe and what kind of activities you’re expecting to see. While you should remain flexible during your observation, having a structure will help you ensure that you cover all aspects the assignment asks for—like how spaces are used or the dynamics between different ethnic groups.

3. Dive Deeper into Analysis

Your observation is just the first step—the real marks come from how you analyze and deconstruct what you’ve seen. Don’t just describe the interactions or lack thereof; think about why they happen. For example, if you notice that adults and children from different ethnic groups don’t interact much, dig into possible sociological reasons behind this. Could it be related to social norms, economic status, or even the design of the space itself?

4. Engage with Sociological Theories

To strengthen your commentary, connect your observations to sociological theories or concepts you’ve learned in class. This shows that you’re not just reporting what you see, but that you’re able to place these observations within a broader sociological framework. It might help to reference specific theorists or studies that align with your findings, which can add depth to your analysis.

5. Reflect on Time and Context

Since activities can vary depending on the time of day, make sure to reflect on how the time of your observation might have influenced what you saw. If you’re observing in the morning versus the evening, the dynamics could be very different. Acknowledging this in your commentary shows that you understand the complexity of social life and are thinking critically about your observations.

6. Write with Clarity and Insight

When you write your commentary, aim for a clear structure with a strong introduction, body, and conclusion. Start by introducing the HDB complex and the purpose of your observation, then move into the detailed observations and analysis, and wrap up with a conclusion that ties everything together. Make sure your writing is concise and that your analysis is well-supported by your observations and relevant sociological concepts.

7. Reflect on Feedback

Think about any feedback you received on your 79% score. Were there areas where your analysis was a bit thin, or maybe your observations needed more detail? Make sure to address these areas in your next submission. Even small improvements can make a big difference.

8. Proper Referencing and Word Count

Don’t forget the technical details—your commentary should be exactly 1,000 words, so be precise with your language. Also, ensure you’re using proper academic references, including materials from your course. And remember to include the self-declaration form to avoid any unnecessary penalties.

9. Show Sociological Curiosity

Finally, let your curiosity drive your analysis. If something during your observation catches your attention, don’t be afraid to explore it, even if it’s outside the suggested questions. Showing that you’re genuinely engaged and curious can add a unique touch to your commentary and make it stand out.

By following these steps, you’ll be setting yourself up to not just complete the assignment, but to excel in it.

Dive deep into your analysis, connect with sociological theories, and polish your writing—doing so will help you score even higher next time. Good luck!

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