VCE Sociology

Sociology focuses on the study of human behaviour and social interaction to understand how societies are organised, develop and change. There is no single sociological perspective, rather there are several theories that offer different ways of understanding human society. Sociologists use theories and frameworks in a complementary way to attempt to objectively examine social issues and explain concepts.

VCE Sociology allows students to examine key theories regarding family, deviance, ethnicity, community and social movements. In VCE Sociology students learn about and apply the sociological imagination by questioning their assumptions and reflecting on their understandings and ideas about social relations.

Sociology draws on scientific method in the exploration of social relationships and the outcomes of social activities. The scientific method is a systematic process applied to research questions and problems in an attempt to achieve objective observation, collection and analysis of data. Sociologists work to develop a reliable and valid body of knowledge based on research. In doing so, they adhere to various ethical codes of conduct. The primary goal of research ethics is to protect the well-being of the groups and individuals with whom sociologist work. There are many different ways that students can gather information for analysis in this course - such as, case studies, surveys and participant observations. As students gather and use sources of evidence, they explore and apply the Australian Sociological Association's guidelines for conducting research.

Youth and family 

This unit uses sociological methodology to explore the social category of youth and the social institution of family. Sociologists draw on methods of science to understand how and why people behave the way they do when they interact in a group. Sociology attempts to understand human society from a holistic point of view, including consideration of society's composition, how it is reproduced over time and the differences between societies. When sociologists investigate a topic they attempt to do so with reflective, critical mindset. Sociologists are guided by theories, or frameworks, to explain and analyse how social action, social processes and social structures work. 

Areas of Study

1. Category and experience of youth 

2. The family 

Social norms: breaking the code

In this unit students explore the concepts of deviance and crime. The study of these concepts from a sociological perspective involves ascertaining the types and degree of rule breaking behaviour, examining traditional views of criminality and deviance and analysing why people commit crimes or engage in deviant behaviour. It also involves consideration of the justice system, how the understanding of crime and deviance has changed over time, and the relationship between crime and other aspects of a society, such as gender and ethnicity. 

Areas of Study

1. Deviance 

2. Crime 

Culture and ethnicity 

This unit explores expressions of culture and ethnicity within Australian society in two different contexts – Australian Indigenous culture, and ethnicity in relation to migrant groups. 

Areas of Study

1. Australian Indigenous culture 

2. Ethnicity 

Community, social movements and social change 

In this unit students explore the ways sociologists have thought about the idea of community and how the various types of community are experienced. They examine the relationship between social movements and social change. 

Areas of Study

1. Community 

2. Social movements and social change 

Mrs Sue Bradley: subradley@cmc.vic.edu.au 

Ms Katie French: kfrench@cmc.vic.edu.au