As part of the A level specifications students study a unit on families and households, where they analyse different aspects of the family and the way individuals construct these. One area new to the 2015 specification is on the personal life perspective, an area that critiques traditional notions of the structure of the family, arguing that connections and friendships are just as, if not more valuable. Vanessa May, senior lecturer from the university of Manchester, came to speak to our Sociology students on Monday 6th November. She shared research in this area, drawing parallels and links to aspects studied in student’s year 12 lessons as well as sharing her own research focusing on the use of public space.
Students enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about this relatively new area of study, hear from an academic and to understand other areas of Sociology beyond the classroom. At the end of the seminar she shared her own experiences of research, as well as an insight into studying Sociology at the University of Manchester. An excellent extra-curricular opportunity that complemented students studies and provided new insights into the field of Sociology.