Sociology


Overview

Have you ever considered to what extent an individual is shaped by society? Or to what extent does our social class background affect our life chances? Or our gender? You’re not the only one. Sociology is the study of how society is organised and how we experience life. Sociologists have conducted much ground-breaking research in major social issues such as poverty and crime. If you become a Sociology student you will not be provided with quick answers but what you will discover is how to think about these issues for yourself.

Sociology studies how society works. It will help you to understand how individuals fit into a wider social network and encourage you to question beliefs about society which you may have previously taken for granted. Sociologists are interested in why society works in the way that it does and the extent to which our behaviour and opportunities can be shaped by our social class, age, gender and race.

Topics covered

Sociology is taught according to the four main examined units (with research methods included in each unit).

Foundation concepts are covered in year 9 within an introductory course during the first half-term, leading to application of theories and concepts throughout the four main units of Families, Education, Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification. 

Topics covered:

Assessments

You will sit 2 exams, each exam lasts 1 hour 45 mins, is out of 100 marks and is worth 50 % of GCSE

Both exams have 2 sections:

Section A has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses.

Section B has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses.

FAQs

What is Sociology?

Why should I study Sociology?

Is Sociology a science?

Are Sociology and Psychology the same?

Why are Science and English important for Sociology?

What other GCSEs does it combine well with?

How is GCSE Sociology assessed?

Do I need to study GCSE Sociology to study it for A-Level?

Where can the study of Sociology lead?