Topic 1: Families and Households
- Divorce: Increasing divorce rates in Zimbabwe due to economic hardship, urbanization, and changing social norms.
- Polygamy: Historical and contemporary practice of polygamy in rural and low-income urban areas.
- Gender roles: Gender inequality within families, with women facing discrimination in education, employment, and decision-making.
- Child labor: Exploitation of children for economic gain, particularly in rural areas and the informal economy.
Topic 2: Education
- Access to education: Inequality in access to quality education based on socioeconomic status, location, and gender.
- Educational inequality: Disparities in educational outcomes between urban and rural areas, and between different social classes.
- Poverty and education: The impact of poverty on educational opportunities and achievement.
- Teacher training: Challenges in recruiting and training qualified teachers, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.
Topic 3: Stratification and Inequality
- Social stratification: The existence of hierarchical social groups based on class, race, and ethnicity in Zimbabwe.
- Income inequality: Wide disparities in income and wealth between the elite and the majority of the population.
- Racial and ethnic inequality: Historical and present-day discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities, such as the white minority and minority ethnic groups.
- Social mobility: The limited opportunities for upward social mobility due to structural inequalities.
Topic 4: Religion
- Religious diversity: Zimbabwe's diverse religious landscape, including Christianity, Islam, and traditional African religions.
- Religious influence: The role of religion in shaping moral values, social norms, and political attitudes.
- Religious conflicts: Occasional tensions between different religious groups, particularly between Christians and Muslims.
- Secularization: The gradual decline in religious adherence and practices, especially in urban areas.
Topic 5: Social Change
- Urbanization: Rapid urbanization in Zimbabwe, leading to social and economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and social unrest.
- Technological advancements: The impact of mobile technology, social media, and the internet on communication, information dissemination, and social interaction.
- Climate change: The social and economic consequences of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and food insecurity.
- Social movements: The rise of social movements advocating for social justice, equity, and political change.
Topic 6: Research Methods
- Quantitative research: Collecting and analyzing numerical data to test hypotheses and identify patterns. Examples include surveys and experiments.
- Qualitative research: In-depth exploration of social experiences and perspectives through methods such as interviews, focus groups, and participant observation.
- Ethical considerations: The importance of adhering to ethical guidelines when conducting research, particularly in contexts of inequality and vulnerability.
- Data analysis and interpretation: Utilizing statistical and non-statistical methods to interpret and explain the findings of sociological research.