Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Sociology
Lesson Topic: Perspectives on the role of the family
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the main sociological perspectives on the role of the family.
  • Compare how each perspective explains family functions and social change.
  • Analyse the strengths and limitations of functionalist, Marxist, feminist, and post‑modern views.
  • Apply these perspectives to contemporary family forms and policy debates.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • PowerPoint slides summarising each perspective
  • Handout with comparative matrix (printed)
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sticky notes for group activity
  • Exit ticket slips
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “What does ‘family’ mean to you?” to activate prior knowledge. Briefly recap the previous lesson on social institutions and set today’s success criteria: students will identify, compare and critically evaluate four major sociological perspectives on the family.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – poll on family definitions; record responses on sticky notes.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15’) – overview of functionalist, Marxist, feminist, and post‑modern perspectives using slides.
  3. Comparative matrix activity (20’) – groups complete a printed matrix comparing core views, strengths, and criticisms.
  4. Whole‑class debrief (10’) – groups share key findings; teacher highlights links to social change.
  5. Case‑study analysis (15’) – apply each perspective to a contemporary issue (e.g., same‑sex marriage).
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – quick quiz or exit‑ticket question.
Conclusion:
Summarise how each perspective frames family change and note where they converge or diverge. Students complete an exit ticket stating which perspective they find most persuasive for a given policy issue. Homework: write a 300‑word response evaluating one perspective against a recent news article on family policy.