HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMMES

Academic Year 2025: January – June

Formative Assessment 1: Sociology 3A (HSOC331-1)
NQF Level, Credits: 7,24
Weighting: 20%
Assessment Type: Short, Medium & Long Questions
Educator: Nabeelah Fife
Examiner: Nabeelah Fife
Due Date: 27 March 2025
Total: 100 Marks

Instructions:
• This paper consists of four (4) questions, all questions are compulsory.
• It is based on Units 1-4: Chapters 1-4 of your Sociology 3A textbook.
• Take note of the mark allocation per question and use this as a guide when answering.
• When answering questions, do not type out the full question first, this is not necessary.
• Unless otherwise stated, you must use your own words when answering questions.
• A Copyleaks Report will be issued via ColCampus once the assignment is submitted.
Please ensure that you follow the correct steps when uploading your assignment, to
ensure that the Copyleaks Report is correctly issued. If the incorrect document is
uploaded, or if no Copyleaks Report is issued, a mark of zero (0) will be awarded. If the
Copyleaks Report indicates that a 30% similarity rating has been exceeded, 25% of the
assessment total will be deducted from the final grade. Where a Copyleaks Cheat
Detection Report is issued, your submission will automatically be treated as if you
received a similarity rating in excess of 30% and 25% of the assessment total will be
deducted from the final grade.
• Your assessment must be typed using:
o Font: Arial
o Font size: 12
o Line spacing: 1.5

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The following Learning Outcomes (LO’s) are assessed in this paper:

Unit 1 - Chapter 1:
• Summarise your understanding of power and political society.
• Provide detailed insight into the two analytical tools (theoretical metaphors and paradox)
used in the study of power.
• Discuss the three foundational theoretical frameworks (pluralist, elite-managerial, social
class) in political sociology.
• Discuss the new approaches/directions of political sociology.
• Summarise your understanding of power and political society.

Unit 2 - Chapter 2:
• Describe the modern nation-state.
• Understanding power with regards to the role of the state.
• Discuss the emergence of states and nations.

Unit 3 - Chapter 3:
• Provide an understanding of political culture.
• Discuss the varied sources of political culture

Unit 4 - Chapter 4:
• Use the various theoretical frameworks in understanding the differing views of the
relationships between political and the economy.
• Describe the Great Recession of 2007 and the related effects and responses.

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QUESTION 1 (34 Marks)

The tools political sociologists bring to the study of power have offered much insight and
understanding about things that sometimes challenge our commonsense beliefs about the
nature of politics. As a result of these analytical approaches, political sociology is rich with
metaphors that reveal greater insights into the nature of power at many levels of society.
Moreover, these tools have been helpful in identifying the nature of social paradoxes related to
power. Consider now the many definitions of power. These definitions offer evidence of a field
of study characterized by diverse views about power and social and political processes.
Adapted from the prescribed textbook.

1.1. Considering the varieties in the definition of power, identify and discuss any seven (7) of
the nine definitions of power as depicted within chapter one of your prescribed textbook.
(7 Marks)

Note to student
There are nine (9) definitions of power discussed within the prescribed textbook. However, the
question instructs you to identify seven (7) ONLY. When distinguishing between the different
definitions of power, ensure that you state the theorist.

Michael Mann (1986) suggests that power is quite fluid and dynamic, evolving as relationships
within social networks constructed at many levels of society -from localised to the global change
over time.

1.2. Mann (1986) classifies four networks of power. Identify and describe any three (3) of the
four networks of power. In your answer, provide your own examples of each network of
power.
(3x4=12 Marks)

Note to Student
Please provide examples that are not included or mentioned in the textbook. You will not
be awarded marks for examples from the textbook. The examples should be specific to the
context of South Africa.

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Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows:
The Power Dynamics of HiFi Corp
A multinational corporation, HiFi-Corp, is a leading player in the tech industry, specializing in
advanced AI and global data management solutions. Dr. Marcus Feld, is the CEO, however he
is not just a business leader; he is part of an elite circle of individuals who hold power over key
sectors in society, including politics, military, and corporate governance. Dr. Feld's rise to power
was not purely based on his technical expertise or business acumen. Rather, his position can
be attributed to his membership in an exclusive social network of corporate executives,
politicians, and retired military officials, known informally as the Executive Council. This group
has longstanding connections with top policymakers, think tanks, and financial institutions. Many
members of the Executive Council serve on boards of other major corporations and have close
personal relationships with high-ranking government officials.

Through his connections, Dr. Feld has established HiFi-Corp as a dominant entity with significant
control over data security for both the public and private sectors. This has given the company
unparalleled access to information and the ability to influence decisions at the highest
government and industry levels. When the government proposed a new international data
privacy regulation, it posed a threat to HiFi-Corp’s business model, as stricter regulations would
limit its access to user data. Rather than lobbying through standard democratic processes like
other companies, Dr. Feld activated his network within the Executive Council. He orchestrated
a series of private meetings with policymakers by reaching out to council members who were
former government officials and advisors. During these meetings, Dr. Feld and his peers argued
that the proposed regulation would undermine national security and disrupt economic growth.
As a result, key amendments were made to the legislation, favouring HiFi-Corp and allowing the
company to maintain its data access privileges. This outcome highlights the elite perspective’s
focus on how small, interconnected groups use their influence over bureaucratic and regulatory
bodies to shape policy in ways that maintain their power and control over resources. The
company's influence extends beyond the immediate business context.

Dr. Feld frequently rotates between leadership positions in HiFi-Corp and advisory roles in
government agencies and prestigious academic institutions. This reflects Vilfredo Pareto’s
notion of the circulation of elites, where governing and non-governing elite members frequently
exchange roles to maintain influence. For example, when Dr. Feld stepped down as CEO
temporarily due to a health issue, the board appointed one of his close allies from the Executive
Council, a former national security advisor, to serve as interim CEO. Such rotation ensures that
the power structure remains stable and that individuals with shared interests and values continue

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to control the distribution of resources and decision-making processes within society. Moreover,
it aligns with Robert Michels’ “iron law of oligarchy,” as OmniCorp’s complex bureaucratic
structure means that only a few at the top truly direct its operations, making it resistant to
changes in leadership from outside the elite circle. By examiner.

1.3. Critically discuss the elite managerial perspective on power in society and politics.
Furthermore, in your answer, demonstrate how the passage exemplifies an elite
managerial perspective.
Your answer must include:
• A description of the elite managerial perspective as outlined in your prescribed
textbook.
• Demonstrate how the abovementioned passage makes for an example of the elite
managerial perspective by drawing on the article above
(15 Marks)

Note to student
Please ensure your essay covers all discussion points outlined above. Additionally, you may
consult the Bachelor of Social Writing Guide for additional assistance with essay writing.

GRADING RUBRIC
0-1 2-3 4-6 7-9 10– 12
Irrelevant A poor attempt at An average attempt A good attempt at An excellent attempt
information was addressing the at addressing the addressing the at addressing the
provided. research topic was research question research question research question
presented. was presented. was presented. was presented.
OR
The research paper More supporting The student provided The student
No understanding of appears more information is needed a good discussion on sufficiently
the topic was opinion-based than on the criteria. the criteria addressed ALL the
demonstrated. informed by criteria
academic sources. A description of the A description of the
elite managerial elite managerial A description of the
Much of the perspective as perspective as elite managerial
research paper is outlined in the outlined in the perspective as
unclear and textbook textbook outlined in the
unrelated to the textbook
research question. A discussion of the A discussion of the
A description classical elite classical elite A discussion of the
of the elite
managerial The research paper perspectives. perspectives. classical elite
perspective as was not written perspectives.
outlined in coherently. Demonstrating how Demonstrating how
your
prescribed the excerpt the excerpt Demonstrating how
textbook discussed in the discussed in the the excerpt
discussed in the

5 HSOC331-Jan-Jun2025-FA1-NF-V.4-15012025
 article depicts elite article depicts elite article depicts elite
managerialism. managerialism. managerialism.
. Academic sources
Most of the research inform the research
paper is supported paper.
by academic
sources. The student
demonstrated
independent thought,
which is supported
by academic
sources.

Writing is logically
organised and flows
smoothly, with clear
transitions between
ideas.
0-1 2 3 4 5
Demonstrate
how the The discussion The discussion The discussion The discussion The discussion
abovementioned provided does not provided does not provided has some provided is relevant depicts the elite
article makes for depict the elite accurately match relevance to the and relates to some managerial
an example of managerial that which is topic; however, does of the aspects perspective well, and
the elite perspective from discussed in the not address the discussed in the the examples
managerial the provided article. article. question well. article. support the answer.
perspective

QUESTION 2 (18 Marks)

Observe the image below and answer the question that follows:

Source: Viver, T.L. 2019. What are your rights in a South African roadblock? [Image]. Retrieved from
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/opinion/roadblock-rights-sa/ [Accessed, 11 September 2024].

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Max Weber contends that “a state is a human community that (successfully) claims the
monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force [emphasis Weber’s] within a given territory”
(Gerth and Mills 1946: 78). The state, then, can make and enforce laws and is run by those
occupying positions in the state bureaucracy (Nagengast 1994). In short, the state has power
over the lives of its citizens and persons currently residing within its borders.

2.1. Considering the statement posed above, identify and discuss the component of the
Weberian view of the state that is depicted in the image shown above. (6 Marks)

Ralph Miliband (1993) provides a detailed description of the types of organizations that comprise
the state. He subdivides the state into the following categories: government, administration,
military and police, judiciary, subcentral governments, and legislative or parliamentary bodies.
Adapted from prescribed textbook.

2.2. Considering two of Miliband’s (1993) categories of the state: Administration or Bureaucracy
and Legislative or Parliamentary. Compare and contrast between these two categories of
the state. In your answer, provide your own example of each category in the South African
context. (2x6=12 Marks)

QUESTION 3 (25 Marks)

Access the article below and answer the question that follows:
Sabinet:
Koosentse, C.T., Ani, K.J., & Maseng, J.O. 2018. An Evaluation of Media's role in de-
popularizing and Influencing Political Attitudes towards Jacob Zuma: Collating Events Leading
to His Removal. Journal of Gender & Behaviour, 16(2):11604-11622. Retrieved from
https://journals.co.za/doi/epdf/10.10520/EJC-131ea94b4f [Accessed, 11 September 2024].

3.1. Drawing the prescribed textbook and the article above, critically analyse the role of media
in modern political culture by evaluating how media portrays politics in South Africa.

Your essay must include the following:

• An analysis of the relationship between media and political culture as outlined in
your prescribed textbook.

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 • Evaluate how the media portrays and conveys politics in South Africa by drawing on
the article above.
• Your opinion on the topic - do you think the media is biased or fair in its portrayal of
politics in South Africa? Use the article provided to support your answer.
(25 Marks)

Note to student:
Please ensure your essay covers all discussion points outlined above. Furthermore, you must
use in-text references in your essay; thus, use the Boston Harvard referencing format.
Additionally, you may consult the Bachelor of Social Writing Guide for additional assistance with
essay writing

8-7 6-5 4-3 2-1 0

A good attempt at
An excellent attempt at
addressing the
A poor attempt addressing the essay
essay question
was made to question was presented.
was presented.
address the An average
essay question. attempt at The student sufficiently
The student
addressing the addressed the following:
provided a good
The essay essay question An analysis on the
discussion on the
Irrelevant appears more was presented. relationship between
following:
information was opinion-based media and political
provided. than informed by More supporting culture as outlined in
Content: information is
academic your prescribed
An analysis on
OR sources. needed on the textbook.
An analysis on the relationship
following:
the relationship between media
No understanding Much of the The prescribed textbook
between media and political
of the topic was essay is unclear An analysis on the informs the essay.
and political culture as outlined
demonstrated. and unrelated to relationship
culture as in your prescribed
the essay between media The student demonstrated
outlined in your textbook.
question. and political independent thought and
prescribed culture as outlined was supported by the
textbook. Most of the essay
The essay was in your prescribed prescribed textbook.
is supported by
not written textbook.
compulsory
coherently. The essay was presented
sources.
coherently.
The essay could
use some work.

7 6-5 4-3 2-1 0

8 HSOC331-Jan-Jun2025-FA1-NF-V.4-15012025
 A good attempt at
A poor attempt addressing the
Content: was made to An average essay question
An excellent attempt at
Evaluate how the address the attempt at was presented.
addressing the essay
media portrays essay question. addressing the
question was presented.
essay question The student
and conveys The essay was presented. provided a good
The student sufficiently
politics in South Irrelevant appears more discussion on the
addressed the following:
Africa by drawing information was opinion-based More supporting following:
provided. than informed by information is
on the article Evaluate how the media
academic needed on the Evaluate how the
portrays and conveys politics
above. OR sources. following: media portrays
in South Africa by drawing
and conveys
on the article above The
No understanding Much of the politics in South
student demonstrated
of the topic was essay is unclear Evaluate how the Africa by drawing
independent thought, which
demonstrated. and unrelated to media portrays on the article
is supported by academic
the essay and conveys above
sources.
question. politics in South
Africa by drawing Most of the essay
The essay was presented
The essay was on the article is supported by
coherently.
not written above compulsory
coherently. sources.

The essay could

use some work.

5 4 3-2 1 0

An average A good attempt at

attempt at addressing their
An excellent attempt at
addressing their opinion on the
addressing their opinion on
opinion on the essay topic.
the essay topic.
essay topic.
A poor attempt at
The student
addressing their The student sufficiently
More supporting provided a good
opinion on the addressed the following:
information is discussion on the
essay topic.
Irrelevant needed on the following:
Your opinion on the topic -
information was following:
Much of the do you think the media is
provided. Your opinion on
opinion is unclear biased or fair in its portrayal
Your opinion on the topic - do you
and unrelated to of politics in South Africa?
OR the topic - do you think the media is
the research
think the media is biased or fair in its
Student’s own question. Answer was well supported
No understanding biased or fair in its portrayal of
opinion on the by reflecting on the article
of the topic was portrayal of politics in South
topic. The opinion was and media use during the
demonstrated. politics in South Africa?
not written 2024 South African election
Africa?
coherently.
Their opinion was presented
Average support Good support of
in a coherent manner and
of answer by answer by
academically informed.
reflecting on the reflecting on the
article and media article and media
use during the use during the
2024 South 2024 South
African election. African election.

0 1 3-2 4 5

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 Incorrect use of
Boston Harvard
Correct Boston Harvard
Referencing for
Incorrect use of Correct Boston Referencing was used for
most references
Boston Harvard Harvard the reference list AND in-text
in the reference
Referencing for Referencing was citations.
list and in-text
the reference list Incorrect use of used for most
citations.
and in-text Boston Harvard sources in the Every section of the
citations. Referencing for reference list and discussion of the research
Only in-text
most references in-text citations. paper includes in-text
citations were
OR in the reference citations.
included, OR only
list and in-text In-text citations
Referencing the reference list
No in-text citations citations. have been made All the references in the
was included.
were used, and no for most of the reference list are correct.
reference list was sections in the
Only one (1)
provided. research paper. All sources used have been
compulsory
included in the reference list.
source was
referred to in-text.

QUESTION 4 (23 Marks)

4.1. The various theoretical frameworks give us differing views of the relationships between
politics and economy, such as the pluralist, elite-managerial, Marxist class, postmodern,
and rational choice frameworks.

Outline how the Class/Marxist perspective on power explains the role of the state and ruling
class in capitalist society. (11 Marks)

Read the excerpt below and answer the question that follows:
By the end of 2007, the United States entered a recession that some suggest may be the worst
since the Great Depression. While many were losing their jobs, the value of stock was declining
rapidly, many financial institutions and corporations were receiving bailouts, and Wall Street
continued to hand out bonuses. White (2009) reported that “despite crippling losses, multibillion-
dollar bailouts and the passing of some of the most prominent names in the business, employees
at financial companies in New York … collected an estimated $18.4 billion in bonuses for the
year [2008].” White also found that, as if this wasn’t enough, outside the financial industry, many
corporate executives received fatter bonuses, while the economy lost 2.6 million jobs. For top
executives other than CEOs, the average supposedly performance-based bonus was $265,594
(White 2009). People on Main Street typically make much less than that as yearly income, let
alone bonuses. Perhaps the most frustrating case regarding bonuses involved the AIG, which
had received over $170 billion in taxpayer bailout money, but announced in March 2009 that it
was planning to give about $165 million to executives in the business unit, who had led the
company to near collapse in 2008. AIG defended its position, arguing that the bonuses had been
promised much earlier, and thus, it was legally bound to provide them. Also, the bonuses were
needed to retain high-quality executives (Andrews and Baker 2009). Because of growing

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pressures, AIG Chief Liddy asked employees with bonuses over $100,000 to return them.
Although much of the anger was directed at AIG because of the huge bailout it received, other
companies were doing much the same. In addition to people losing jobs, many of those who had
jobs also had problems. For example, many companies, including FedEx, Eastman Kodak,
Motorola, General Motors, and Resorts International, cut their contributions to worker 401(k)
retirement plans at the same time workers were seeing the value of their retirement accounts
drop drastically. Cutting back on retirement contributions makes it more difficult to retire securely
(Williams and Bernard 2009). In addition, those working may feel great stress and want to
change jobs. One study by Hochwater has found that 55 percent of bosses or supervisors had
become more demanding of their workers and more than 70 percent of employees indicated
that their stress levels had grown since the recession began. Many employees felt that they
were doing the work of employees who had lost their jobs, as well as their own work. Employers
realized that, with the high unemployment rate, it would be easy to fill open positions if someone
left (Bruzzese 2009).
Adapted from the prescribed courseware.

4.2. Using the extract above and the prescribed textbook to inform your answer, identify and
contrast the four causes of the Great Recession as identified by Liecht & Fitzgerald (2014).
(7 Marks)

Read the article below and answer the questions that follow:

South Africa’s economy is increasingly vulnerable to a recession in the next 12 months, with an
ongoing electricity crisis seen further curbing activity. The probability of a recession stands at
68%, up from odds of 45% in January, according to Bloomberg’s latest monthly survey of
economists. The poll was conducted February 3 to 9, with six economists responding to a
question about the chance of a recession.
The prediction comes after Eskom said load shedding are likely to persist for at least two more
years as the state-owned power utility overhauls its aging, mostly coal-fired plants. The
company, which produces almost all of South Africa’s electricity, has struggled to meet demand
since 2008, and has imposed outages every day this year to protect the grid from collapse.
Sustained outages are seen as the most significant risk to economic growth.
Economists polled by Bloomberg predict the economy shrank in the final quarter of 2022 and
that it’s on course to contract in the three months through March. Statistics agency data
published this week showed mining and manufacturing output, which make up about a fifth of
total gross domestic product, declined in the December quarter.

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The survey results are in line with expectations by Absa’s economists, including Peter
Worthington and Miyelani Maluleke, who this week became the first major institution to say the
economy is in a technical recession. The impact of load shedding on economic growth in 2023
and beyond is uncertain because it isn’t clear how quickly the government and Eskom can
alleviate outages and as its difficult to assess how different severities of power cuts affect overall
activity, the Johannesburg-based lender cautioned.
The electricity crisis is costing the country as much as R899 million per day, according to South
African Reserve Bank estimates. It lowered its economic growth forecast for this year to 0.3%
from 1.1%, with Governor Lesetja Kganyago saying power disruptions will shave 2 percentage
points off output growth. It predicts that electricity will be rationed for 250 days in 2023, which if
realised will be a record.

Source: Paton, C. 2023. The odds of a recession in SA are increasing. News24. [Website]. Retrieved from
https://www.news24.com/fin24/economy/the-odds-of-a-recession-in-sa-are-increasing-20230210 [Accessed 10
October 2024].

4.3. Reflecting on the article above, suggest ways through which the government can address
the recession in South Africa. (5 marks)

TOTAL: 100 MARKS

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