Context

Sociology is the scientific study of society. Sociologists are interested in how society is structured and the social influences on people that shape their identities. In your course you will study factors such as identity, social inequalities and crime and deviance.

Suggested reading

Book: OCR A Level Sociology Student Book (OCR A Level Sociology)

 The following sites will give you an overview of these topics:

• http://www.thesociologicalcinema.com/blog/category/class%20activities#.VV2SrBHwsaL 

•  http://www.sparknotes.com/sociology/glossary/terms.html

• http://www.asanet.org/introtosociology/Documents/Glossary.html

Suggested research

Wider reading: These sites will give you an insight into the general world of sociology. http://www.davidcoon.com/soc.htm

Tasks

Task 1: Introduction to Sociology

Watch this short clip,  What is Sociology? 

Do some research and write your own definitions of norms, values and culture

Watch the following clip about the Mosuo tribe and compare their norms and values to British society. Write down the differences. The Mosuo tribe 

Task 2: Identity

Watch the Clip on Socialisation and Identity Formation 

• Write your own definition of identity 

• Make a mind map of all the influences on you that make up your identity (examples could be family, gender, nationality, ethnicity etc)

Task 3: Crime and deviance

Although most people agree on the important values in society and the 'right' way to behave, every society has people who do not conform. Sociologists are interested in why this is.

• Write a definition of the terms 'crime' and 'deviance' and one sentence explaining the difference between the two.

• What do you think the causes of crime are? Write down your ideas.

• If you have access to Netflix, watch an episode of ' Inside the world's toughest prisons'.  Do you think prison is an effective way to manage crime? Do you think there is a better alternative?  Right your ideas down.