Read the articles below: Article 1. ‘You don't need much space to have sex: Josephine Teo on ‘no flat, no child’ belief’ (The Straits Times, 12 October 2016) http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ministers-rejoinder-to-no-flat-no-child-belief Article 2. ‘Netizens on Josephine Teo’s remarks on having babies before flats’ (The Online Citizen, 14 October 2016) http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2016/10/14/netizens-on-josephine-teos-remarks-on-havingbabies-before-flats/ Article 3. ‘What should come first, a baby or a flat?’ (BBC News Singapore, 13 October 2016) http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37627269 (a) The articles present differing views on the issue of couples having children without first having a flat in Singapore – a society perceived to be planned with much social engineering and said to be ‘conservative’ in values and a ‘nanny state’. With reference to the articles and based on your own broader understanding of fertility issues, housing policies, the state-people interaction and culture in Singapore, critically discuss how we can make sense of the expressed opinions of different stakeholders in society with regard to this issue (e.g. the Singapore Government, civil society groups, different groups of Singaporeans etc.). Your discussion must be based on sociological analysis, using relevant sociological perspectives/theories. (b) You are a researcher trying to find out how religious groups view the notion of sex before marriage. Explain how you would collect accurate and reliable data, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen approach. (N.B.: You are advised to write about 800 words to adequately tackle part a, and 200 words for part b) Student notes This assignment assesses your understanding of how sociologists perceive and make sense of social phenomena. It also allows you to appreciate the types of research topics and SOC203 Tutor-Marked Assignments 01-02 January 2017 Semester SIM UNIVERSITY Page 6 of 7 questions sociologists and other social scientists work on; and differentiate the methods they employ in their study of social life. Additionally it helps you glean insight into how sociology is applicable in your daily life. Please ensure that you answer using distinct sociological concepts, perspectives and methods covered in the abovementioned chapters of the course. You should apply relevant concepts and perspectives, and recognise the relevance of sociological study to social issues of importance. You should respond distinctly to each part but write in a single continuous essay with a good introduction and conclusion – utilising headers where necessary to help you organise your arguments. Ensure that you include the word count, textual citations, and a list of references at the end of your essay. Write your answers in not more than 1,000 words. Please remember to provide the word count, and list of references. Be sure to use appropriate academic sources, including your course materials.