SOC105: (Introduction to Sociology) In this assignment you will carry out an observational study of any Housing Development Board (HDB) complex.

Module / Subject / School:

SOC105: Introduction to Sociology

Singapore University of Social Sciences

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 spendthe 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.

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. Observation: Develop Your Researcher’s Eye

When conducting your observational study, make sure to immerse yourself fully for those two hours. Don’t just casually observe; you need to actively look at the public and private spaces, as well as the behaviors of people within those spaces. For example, are the seating areas in the void deck or playgrounds being used for social interaction? Do you see families or individuals? Are there groups that seem isolated, like the elderly?

To really sharpen your observations, you could visit the HDB complex at different times of the day—morning, afternoon, or evening—since the type of activity may vary. This will give you a fuller picture of how the space is used over time. Also, take note of subtle interactions like body language or how people navigate around each other.

2. Social Spaces and Interaction: Go Beyond the Surface

Your commentary needs to explore whether the design of the HDB spaces encourages social interaction. Don’t just describe what you see—deconstruct why it’s happening. For example, if you notice groups of children playing in open areas, ask yourself: Why do these spaces attract children? Is it the design, proximity to homes, or the presence of nearby amenities?

You can also discuss whether the spaces encourage interaction across different ethnic groups. For example, if you notice adults or children from various backgrounds interacting (or not), link this to sociological concepts like multiculturalism or social segregation. If people from different groups aren’t interacting, speculate why—cultural differences, language barriers, or even the design of the space itself?

3. Emotional and Social Support for the Elderly

The elderly population is an important group to observe. Pay attention to how they engage with the environment and people around them. Are there facilities designed specifically for them, like exercise areas or community events? If you notice elderly individuals sitting alone or seeming isolated, reflect on the social or emotional support structuresavailable to them. This can open a discussion on the role of social networks and community bonds in HDB spaces.

You can also reference sociological theories like functionalism to explain how public housing plays a role in maintaining social order and community support.

4. Go Beyond the Given Questions

While the assignment provides guiding questions, you’re encouraged to think creatively. For example, you could explore the role of gender in public spaces. Do men and women use the space differently? How does the design cater to different demographics, and does this create an inclusive environment for all?

Another angle could be economic status—are there visible differences in how people use the space depending on their socioeconomic background? Are certain spaces more occupied by certain groups?

5. Analysis: Don’t Just Describe, Deconstruct

The analysis part is just as important as your description. When you describe a social interaction or the layout of the HDB, think about what it reveals about society. Are these spaces promoting inclusivity, or are they reinforcing social divisions? You could bring in ideas about social cohesion or community building.

Use sociological theories from your course materials to support your analysis. For example, if you’re discussing the interaction between ethnic groups, you could reference theories on social integration or cultural capital. These theories will give your analysis more depth and academic rigor.

6. References and Word Count

Make sure to cite your sources properly in APA format. Referencing sociological studies, articles, or theories that support your observations and analysis will add credibility. Also, keep an eye on the word count—stay within the 1,000-word limit, but make sure every word counts.

Final Tips:

• Be specific in your observations and link everything to a sociological concept or theory. Don’t just say “people socialized,” explain why and how it fits into the bigger picture.
• Balance description and analysis—you should spend just as much time explaining the meaning behind what you observed as you do describing it.
• Think outside the box—don’t limit yourself to the provided questions. Explore angles that may be unique to your HDB or your observations.

By focusing on deeper analysis, using sociological theories, and expanding your perspective, you can move your grade from 79% into the high 80s or even higher!

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