Society in English-speaking Contexts

Start with a social question

Useful topics include education, housing, work, health, migration, inequality, youth culture, family life, transport and access to public services.

The topic becomes meaningful when it is connected to a defined place, group, time period or source.

Institutions shape everyday life

Everyday experiences are influenced by institutions such as schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, laws, media and local government.

This means that a social comparison should look beyond individual behaviour and consider structures.

Use several perspectives

Statistics can show broad patterns. Interviews can show personal experience. News reporting can show public debate. Official information can explain institutions and rules.

Different sources answer different kinds of questions.

Suppose you compare access to higher education in two contexts.

You could examine tuition arrangements, admission systems, student finance, participation rates and student experiences.

A useful conclusion would explain both similarities and differences and avoid assuming that one example represents every student.

1. Formulate a focused question.
2. Define the place, group and time period.
3. Find more than one type of source.
4. Identify patterns as well as individual experiences.
5. Compare explanations rather than only listing facts.
6. Use specific evidence when drawing conclusions.

Country facts without a question

Lists of population, food, famous places and traditions do not automatically produce social analysis. Begin with a question that allows you to explain or compare something.

One person represents everyone

An interview can provide valuable experience, but it cannot by itself show how an entire society works.

• Social conditions differ across and within contexts where English is used.
• Institutions and structures influence everyday life.
• Different source types provide different kinds of evidence.
• A focused question produces stronger analysis than a collection of country facts.
• Avoid treating one individual or source as representative of everyone.