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Sociology Open Evening zoom.mp4SOC_Trim.mp4Sociology is the study of human society. It helps us to understand why people behave in particular ways when they are part of a group, tribe, culture, religion, or nationality. It explores the ways in which people are influenced by their childhood and education and also the background to power and influence in society.
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade 5 across subjects including English and Maths with strong written and oral communication and an enquiring mind which is able to think in an analytical way.
Specification: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/sociology-h180-h580-from-2015/
Below are additional resources and a transition task to help prepare you for A Level Sociology at Cowes Sixth Form .
A Level Sociology transition pack
A Level Sociology transition pack
“The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden” Pierre Bordieu
Sociology is defined as the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships: the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behaviour of organised groups of human beings.
Sociology has a direct bearing upon many of the critical problems of the present world. Giddings has suggested that just as Economics tells up how to get the things we want to have, Sociology tells us how to become what we want to be.
By attempting to analyse individual and social needs, Sociology helps in planning and formulating theories and policies for the greater good. It focuses on the impact of religion, culture, race, language, and education on the individual as well as the society.
According to George Ritzer, 1979: "Sociology is the study of individuals in a social setting that includes groups, organisations, cultures and societies. Sociologists study the interrelationships between individuals, organisations, cultures and societies."
In studying Sociology, you learn how to become an involved and effective member of society. You consider social problems and inequalities and explore solutions.
Organisational requirements:
We are using the OCR specification for A Level Sociology (H580) and covering the optional units on Media and Crime and Deviance.
https://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/sociology-h180-h580-from-2015/
Subject specific equipment:
You will require your own stationery but folders and exercise books will be provided. You will need to get your own textbook.
Textbooks:
By Steve Chapman, Hodder Education
https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/subjects/sociology/products/16-18/ocr-sociology-for-a-level-book-1
Optional:
My Revision Notes: OCR A Level Sociology
By Steve Chapman, Hodder Education
Structure of the course
Key questions and themes
A Level Sociology preparatory tasks
Please complete all tasks and bring your answers and/or findings with you in September.
TASK 1: Knowledge of Key Terms
TASK 1: Knowledge of Key Terms
Define these key terms:
Capitalism
Bourgeoisie
False Class Consciousness
Reserve Army of Labour
Patriarchy
Stratification
Underclass
Task 2: Understanding perspectives
Task 2: Understanding perspectives
In paragraphs of no more than 10 lines each, give brief explanations of the following perspectives:
1. Functionalist
2. Feminist
3. Marxist
4. The New Right
5. Postmodernist
Task 3: Arguing a sociological perspective
Task 3: Arguing a sociological perspective
A choice of two pieces of writing, based on your research. You should write 200-500 words.
Argue for or against the statement.
‘Men and women should be treated differently in today’s society’.
Or:
‘Success in life is dependent on how hard we work, not on how privileged we are’.
These can be answered in whatever way you like and should be about 500 words in length.
Advance reading list:
Pick and choose from:
Feminism
Women and Power – Mary Beard
The Beauty Myth – Naomi Wolff
The Feminine Mystique – Betty Friedan
The Second Sex – Simone de Beauvoir
Marxism
The Communist Manifesto - Marx and Engels
Prison Notebooks - Gramsci
The Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism - Weber
Functionalism & New Right
The division of labour in society - Durkheim
Coming apart - Murray
Student opinions
Students say….
‘Sociology is a fascinating subject that deals with the big questions of society. Forcing an individual to question what they know, as well as to develop the skills to argue/evaluate to the highest level. The topics discussed in sociology have something for everyone, with Marxism and Feminism usually being the ones to resonate. Sociology is also applicable for a variety of future careers and degrees such as law, politics, criminology, etc.’ Morgan
‘Sociology has given me insight into the way in which society works through exciting and interactive lessons, often debating interesting and current topics. We are always encouraged and supported while taking on new tasks, enabling us to achieve our best level of work.’ Luckie
‘I thoroughly enjoyed studying Sociology. Ms Cody is unbelievably supportive and always goes the extra mile to make sure you feel secure in your learning. The work set is manageable and interactive as well as challenging as to push your to your full potential. I really enjoyed understanding other views within a society and even within our classroom through tasks such as class debates.’ Martha
Sociology was by far one of my most valuable subjects. Not only with regard to academics, but in my day-to-day life. I found the content to be deeply fascinating and the interactive nature of teaching to be effective in engaging the whole class and generating a shared understanding of the subject matter. I feel that sociology is crucial in gaining differing perspectives on matters we may not think twice about, and I feel I have left this course more open-minded and aware.’ Esme
Examples of student work:
Morgan believes socialism is the only option…do you agree?
Esme thinks we must overcome gender stereotypes – what is your view?
The rise of feminism within society over recent years has made a significant impact on the lives of women and has challenged the oppressive ideology that many have conformed to for centuries. Such impacts include women’s suffrage, greater access to education, the right to initiate divorce proceedings, the right of women to make individual decisions regarding pregnancy and the right to own property. The idea that women are subservient to men originated from the patriarchy, a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property. Much patriarchal ideology is justified by religious doctrines and the theory of biological determinism. Sociologists, however, tend to see the patriarchy as a social product and not as an outcome of innate differences between the sexes and they focus on the way that gender roles in society affect power differentials between men and women.
As one can imagine, due to the prominence of patriarchal ideology within society for many years, it can become difficult to simply break from this way of thinking. Such ideology can become so engrained into the lives of people that they are somewhat unaware that they themselves are enforcing and complying to this way of life that continues to oppress women. It could be argued that because biological differences between men and women have been the basis of much of the reasoning behind patriarchal ideology, women will always remain unequal to men. By asserting one’s biology as less than another’s, that individual is already predestined for failure. Patriarchal ideology essentially follows the belief that women are made to be nurturing and empathetic. Whereas, men are said to be natural leaders, strong and tough. However, this is simply another way in which men prevent women from entering the world of work and confine them to the domestic sphere where they are reliant on their roles as mother and wife as their only sources of identity. This belief was not challenged for centuries and is the reason why women to this day face significant inequality.
Many parents continue to socialise their children (sometimes unknowingly) into stereotyped gender roles which automatically incite the fact that women are inferior to men. Children are taught how to socially behave in accordance with their assigned gender, which is assigned at birth based on their biological sex. For example, girls are expected to be clean and quiet, while boys are messy and loud. These gender stereotypes, however, serve to uphold the patriarchy and place boundaries upon women’s lives. It has been found that due to gender stereotyping, girls tend to be more self-critical and blame failure on their own intellectual inadequacies. Equally, their educational success is more commonly attributed to luck rather than their own ability and hard work. This internalised narrative is a product of gender socialisation and demonstrates how a patriarchal society serves to stereotype females. Another aspect of gender socialisation is the repeated message that females are to be defined by their outward appearance. This again serves the interest of men because it links female self-worth with external beauty rather than actual achievement.
Is it only when we eliminate these damaging stereotypes regarding women, which can be put down to a combination of socialisation, tradition and biology, that men and women will truly be equal? The incredible advancements within society as a result of the various feminist movements have inspired new ways of thinking, however, it could also be argued that the perception of women as less than men has become so engrained in society that the inequality women face has now become somewhat inevitable.
Useful websites to help you in A Level Sociology:
https://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/sociology-h180-h580-from-2015/
sociology OCR.pdf
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