Question

Pierre Bourdieu's capital theory and inequalities

Sociology 1A 2022 - Essay Marking Criteria

This sheet summarises the central criteria that markers on the Sociology Level 1A course use when they are evaluating and grading summative essays. It is intended to help you understand more clearly what markers are 'looking for' as they mark your work.

In the first instance your markers will have the following overall 'learning outcomes' in mind as they mark your essays. Your summative assessments for Level 1A, including your submitted essay, are designed to assess your ability to do these things:

describe and examine a range of key concepts and theoretical approaches within sociology and evaluate their application;

summarise and explain the findings of empirical sociological research, including a critical assessment of the methodological frameworks used;

evaluate the relationship between sociological arguments and evidence in a range of contexts;

draw on evidence from a range of appropriate sociological sources and demonstrate an ability to synthesise them

evaluate competing explanations and draw reasoned conclusions.

More specifically, markers are guided by the following questions:

1. Is there a clear attempt to address all parts of the question that is being answered?

 2. Does the essay show knowledge of course literature, and does it effectively and accurately summarise and explain relevant aspects of that literature?

3. Does the essay demonstrate an ability to evaluate relevant sociological concepts and theoretical approaches, and if this is relevant to the question - to relate these to empirical evidence from a range of sociological studies?

4. Does the essay demonstrate an ability to evaluate competing explanations and to draw well-reasoned conclusions?

5. Is there a well-structured argument, with appropriate paragraphs, a clear introduction and a clear conclusion?

6. Does the essay show evidence of a reasonable level of preparatory reading? (n.b. Essays are likely to focus most closely on two or three sources, but are expected to show evidence of engagement with at least six articles, chapters or other relevant material, largely drawn from the course reading lists).

Finally, your markers will consider how well the essay demonstrates a range of practical skills related to effective academic writing and presentation.

7. Were sources referenced systematically & accurately, using the Harvard system? 8. Were quotation marks and/or indenting used to indicate direct quotations?

9. Were sources in the reference list given in alphabetical order, by author surname, and was full bibliographic information provided for each source?

10. Was the essay well-presented and laid out?

11. Was the essay edited and revised effectively so that it was no more than 1,500 words in length (including in-text references but excluding the bibliograph

Expert Solution

In Bourdieu's theory, the accumulation of symbolic items that one accumulates via belonging to a certain social class is capital. Sharing comparable types of capital with others, such as cultural capital, fosters a feeling of group identification and status. Bourdieu, however, also highlights cultural capital as a crucial factor in social inequality. Similar to wealth or income, some forms of cultural capital are more valued than others and can promote or prevent social mobility. Cultural capital, according to Bourdieu, can be institutionalized, objectified, or embodied. While one's language is an illustration of embodied cultural capital, a nice car or music record is a form of cultural capital in its objectified state. Cultural capital, in its institutionalized form, relates to credentials and accolades, such as degrees or awards, that signify cultural authority and competence. Therefore, analyzing the form of capital by Pierre Bourdieu is crucial in determining the various forms of inequality experienced in society.

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