SOCIOLOGY A SUBJECT CHOICE

 

Sociology is the study and explanation of human social life, groups and societies. Sociologists aim to investigate and understand the social world and human behaviour within it.

In studying sociology, you will be actively involved in exploring and asking questions about the society in which you live.

The syllabus is divided into the following sections:

What is Sociology?

The family                     Marriage, changing roles, divorce, changing relationships, how individuals learn to be human.

Education                     The relationship between educational attainment and social class, gender, ethnicity, family, media and peer group.

Social differentiation  The differences between groups and individuals based on class, age, gender and ethnicity, and the extent to which life chances are influenced by these differences.

Poverty                         Why does poverty exist? The gap between the rich and the poor, how is poverty dealt with?

Politics                        The relationship between power and the distribution of wealth, income and status. The rights and responsibilities of citizens.

Work                             How has work changed, effects of changes in technology, how age, gender and ethnic factors affects job opportunity and career prospects.

Population                   Population growth, reasons for and consequences of urbanisation, differences between urban and rural social life.

Crime and Deviance    The relationship between crime and class, age, gender, ethnicity and family life. Why do most people obey the law?

Assessment

There is only one written paper of 2 hours (foundation) or 21/2 hours (higher) for 80% of the marks. There is a project, for 20% of the marks, of variable length (1500-2500 words) to allow for different abilities.

For further information please contact Mrs McGloin.