Sociology
Title of qualification achieved at the end of the course
GCSE Sociology (EDUQAS)
What will you learn/How will you be taught?
GCSE Sociology aims to broaden your mind by helping you to see the world from multiple points of view. This will give you a different perspective on human society and challenge you to examine and analyse society in new and thought-provoking ways.
The course is broken down into two exam papers. There is no coursework element for Sociology. The exam will test knowledge and skills learnt throughout the two years of study and will provide a good basis for A-level.
The topics are:
- Key concepts and processes of cultural transmission: Socialisation, debates over acquisition of identity and key sociological concepts.
- Family: Family diversity, social changes and family structures, social changes and family relationships, sociological theories of the role of the family and criticisms of family.
- Education: Sociological theories of the role of education, process inside schools, patterns of educational achievement, factors affecting education achievement.
- Research Methods: Usefulness of different types of data, methods of research, sampling processes, practical issues affecting research, ethical issues affecting research, the process of research design and interpreting data.
- Social differentiation and stratification: Sociological theories of stratification, different forms and sources of power and authority, Inequality in relation to class, gender, ethnicity, age, disability and sexuality, life chances and power and poverty as a social issue.
- Crime and Deviance: Social constructions of concepts of crime and deviance, social control, patterns of criminal and deviant behaviour, sociological theories of criminal/deviant behaviour and sources of data on crime.
Why study this subject?
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. It will provide you with enhanced critical thinking skills and inquisitiveness throughout.
Sociology also delves into the past and how society has changed throughout time. This provides a good understanding of the UK’s norms and values, past and present, giving you the ability to connect with all generations of society.
The specification provides a suitable basis for further study at Level 3 and post-16 and links to both academic and vocational courses including sociology A-level, psychology, criminology, law and health and social care. A Level 2 qualification in sociology would be an excellent stepping stone for students wanting to work in the academic sector, social work and local/national government authorities. In addition, the specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for learners who do not progress to further study in this subject.