Drawing upon what you have learned from the Sociology of Education module critically examines one of Bourdieu’s theories, and/or Symbolic Interactionism, its influence on gender, and the impact it has on classroom teaching. This academic essay should refer to a minimum of eight academic sources.

• Reflect upon How your chosen Bourdieu theory (capital, habitus) presents itself in school settings? How does this shape school practices and norms (school policy, Government policy, legal Acts, school (non) religious ethos, etc). Do these practices impact children’s gender expression? What is the sociological definition of gender? How is gender a topic that includes all, and not just some?
• If considering Symbolic Interactionism, consider how school norms/policies and adult actions (which include visible behaviors, as well as inner actions such as thoughts and emotions) influence classroom practices, and whether or not the reflect changing modern Irish society.
• What has the Dept. of Education/BelongTo etc published to inform teachers of best practice? (such as Equal Measures, new SPHE curriculum, Busy Bodies, and RSE programmes) • Why does society have certain beliefs regarding gender and education? How much of this is shaped by unquestioned norms and practices? How and why have certain changes come about?