The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is a very important organisation for sociological researchers. It is a government Quango (quasi non-governmental organisation), funded by the government but making decisions independent of government ministers. The main role of the ESRC is to fund research projects in universities and by private organisations into areas of social, political and economic interest. Many of the studies that you will use in your exams started life with support from the ESRC. In the current economic climate, the ESRC has had cuts to its funding, just like many other government and quasi-government services. Nevertheless, the ESRC has been trying to extend its reach, so that more people are aware of the work it supports. Part of this widening of its activities is the establishment of a website aimed at schools: www.socialscienceforschools.org.uk
Subtitled ‘Bringing social science to the classroom’, the site aims to bring new sociological material to your attention. It is useful to you not just as a sociologist though. It has a link to advice on whether to apply to university and why you should aim high if you decide to do so. As good social scientists, the site provides you with information so that you can arrive at your own decision, with appropriate factsheets that you can download as pdf files. There is also information on career choices in the social sciences.
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
