Sociology is one of the tools we can use to understand what’s happening in the world today. It provides the skills necessary to change our social conditions for the better. So how do we encourage future generations to engage with the discipline?
In 2021, The UWI St Augustine's Sociology Unit created a secondary school essay competition to give students an opportunity to learn about sociology.
“As a pilot launch of the competition, we were pleased with the overall response from schools. All essays were of high quality, well-researched and point to the potential of these students to become sociologists,” said Ms Fareena Alladin, Instructor in the Sociology Unit. “Moreover, it is our aim to encourage students to pursue sociology so that they can develop their sociological imagination as presented in these essays.”
Dr Anand Rampersad, Lecturer in the Sociology Unit, emphasised the importance of teaching students about sociology and the impact it can make to improve society:
“We are beset by so many social ills – poverty, alienation, unemployment, under employment, labour exploitation, and discrimination are visible and experienced by many in Trinidad and Tobago, six decades after political decolonisation. If we can light a spark in our youth to pursue social sciences such as sociology, it will contribute to a new generation of professionals with the abilities and intention to change Trinidad and Tobago and the region for the better.”
Seven schools participated in the 2021 essay competition: Bishop Anstey High School East and Trinity College East, Couva East Secondary School, Elders' Classes Private School, Holy Faith Convent in Couva, Pleasantville Secondary School, St Augustine Secondary School, and Upper Level Educational Institute. The essay topic was “What is a sociological imagination and what does it have to do with life in Trinidad and Tobago in the second decade of the 21st century?”
The 2021 Sociology Essay Competition winner was Lana Deo from the Couva East Secondary School. Second place went to Leah Dumont from Holy Faith Convent in Couva, and third to Ellena Lewis, also from Couva East Secondary. Prizes included book vouchers, cash, and a tablet computer. The winners were celebrated at the Sociology Virtual Open Lecture in May 2021.
Following the success of its first outing, this year’s competition has grown from seven schools to a national contest. The topic of the 2022 essay is: “Sociology has an important role to play in creating a post-pandemic society which is more equitable and sustainable.”
The students were required to reference any two sociological theories/perspectives (Functionalism, Marxism, Interactionism, Feminism, Creolisation, Plural Society, Plantation Society) in their essays. The intention of this year’s competition is to give students an opportunity to reflect on the sociological insights and possibilities of building post-pandemic societies. The competition has grown to 17 schools with 34 essay submissions. Winners will receive a monetary prize, tablet, vouchers from the sponsors, and recognition on the Sociology Unit webpage.
Speaking on the development of the competition, Dr Talia Esnard, Head of the Department of Behavioural Sciences, said, “as this initiative mushrooms into what can become a national competition, we look forward to the continued engagement of students and schools on matters that are pertinent to our changing societies.”
For more information on the 2022 Sociology Unit Essay Competition and information on the unit and the programmes they offer, visit their webpage at the Department of Behavioural Sciences site, https://sta.uwi.edu/fss/behaviouralsciences/sociology.
