Sociology Revision
Comprehensive Sociology curriculum covering all key topics.
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of how society is organised and how people interact within groups, communities, and institutions. At GCSE and A-Level, you will explore key themes such as social inequality, the role of the family, the education system, crime and deviance, and the impact of social structures like class, gender, and ethnicity on people's life chances. You learn to question everyday assumptions and critically examine evidence to understand why society functions as it does.
Studying Sociology develops essential skills: you'll analyse data and research methods, construct balanced arguments, and evaluate competing theories from thinkers like Marx, Durkheim, and Weber. You'll also gain a deeper understanding of social policies and how they shape behaviour. This combination of analytical, evaluative, and communication skills is highly regarded by universities and employers.
Sociology connects seamlessly to further study in social sciences, law, criminology, and politics. It prepares you for a wide range of careers where understanding human behaviour and social trends is vital—from social work and teaching to marketing and public relations. The subject encourages empathy and a global perspective, equipping you to engage thoughtfully with contemporary issues such as inequality, digital society, and cultural change.
Why Study Sociology?
What You'll Learn
Sociology at a Glance
5
exam boards
Exam Boards & Specifications
We cover Sociology across all major UK exam boards. Select a board to explore topics, or view the official specification.
AQA
603/0798/5
71 topics covered
View full specificationEdexcel
Pearson-GCSE-Sociology
55 topics covered
View full specificationOCR
OCR-GCSE-Sociology
42 topics covered
View full specificationWJEC
603/1045/5
48 topics covered
View full specificationWJEC-CBAC
603/1045/5
Explore Sociology Topics
Click any topic below to view detailed learning objectives, exam tips, and practice questions.
Paper 1: Understanding Social Processes
Family · Education · Research Methods
Paper 2: Understanding Modern Society
Crime and Deviance · Mass Media · Poverty and Wealth
Paper 1: The Sociological Approach
Key Concepts and Processes of Cultural Transmission · Family · Education
Paper 2: Social Issues
Crime and Deviance · Mass Media · Poverty
Paper 1: Understanding Social Processes
Sociological Research Methods
Primary and secondary data
Quantitative and qualitative data
Questionnaires
Interviews (structured and unstructured)
Observations (participant and non-participant)
Experiments (laboratory and field)
Official statistics
Media reports
Case studies
Pilot studies
Sampling methods (random, systematic, stratified, quota, snowball)
Ethical considerations in research (informed consent, confidentiality, protection from harm)
Strengths and limitations of different research methods
Representativeness, reliability, and validity
Family
Definition of family
Family functions
Family diversity (e.g., lone-parent, nuclear, extended, reconstituted, same-sex parent families)
Changes in family structure over time
Theories of the family (functionalist, Marxist, feminist)
Domestic division of labour
Childhood as a social construct
Changing status of children
Demographic trends (birth rates, death rates, marriage rates, divorce rates)
Impact of social policy on families
Alternatives to family life (communes, cohabitation)
Education
Functions of education
Education as a social institution
Theories of education (functionalist, Marxist, feminist)
Role of education in socialisation
Formal and informal curriculum
Hidden curriculum
Educational achievement and social class
Gender and education
Ethnicity and education
The impact of social policies on education
School organisation and culture
Explanations for differential educational achievement
Poverty and Wealth/Social Inequality
Definitions of poverty (absolute and relative)
Measuring poverty
Causes of poverty (individual, cultural, structural)
Consequences of poverty (health, education, crime)
Social mobility
Social stratification
Wealth and income distribution
Theories of poverty and inequality (functionalist, Marxist, Weberian)
Impact of government policies on poverty and inequality
The welfare state
Social exclusion
The poverty trap
Paper 2: Understanding Modern Society
Crime and Deviance
Definitions of crime and deviance
Social construction of crime and deviance
Types of crime (violent crime, property crime, white-collar crime, cybercrime)
Theories of crime and deviance (functionalist, Marxist, interactionist, control)
Social control mechanisms (formal and informal)
Patterns of crime (age, gender, ethnicity, social class)
Role of the media in crime and deviance
Crime prevention strategies
The criminal justice system (police, courts, prisons)
Punishment and its justification
Victims of crime
Mass Media
Types of media (print, broadcast, digital)
Ownership and control of the media
Role of the media in society
Theories of the media (hypodermic syringe, uses and gratifications, two-step flow)
Media representations of different social groups (gender, ethnicity, age, social class)
Media effects (violence, stereotypes, moral panics)
Influence of advertising
The digital divide
Globalisation of the media
Regulation of the media
Impact of social media
Where Sociology Can Take You
Career paths and opportunities for Sociology students
Social Worker
Sociology provides a strong foundation in understanding social problems, family dynamics, and the impact of deprivation, which is directly applicable to social work. You'll learn about social policies and safeguarding, helping you support vulnerable individuals and work effectively within multi-agency teams.
Journalist
The ability to critically analyse information, spot trends, and communicate complex ideas clearly makes Sociology graduates well-suited for journalism. The subject teaches you to question sources, recognise bias, and report on social issues with depth and sensitivity—essential skills for modern media roles.
Police Officer
Sociology gives you insights into the causes of crime, the functioning of the criminal justice system, and the role of social factors like poverty and peer pressure. This understanding can improve your community policing, conflict resolution, and help you design crime prevention initiatives that address root causes.
Market Research Analyst
Sociology trains you to design surveys, conduct interviews, and interpret data about people’s attitudes and behaviours. These are exactly the skills needed in market research, where you help businesses and organisations understand consumer behaviour and make evidence-based decisions.
Human Resources Officer
A background in Sociology equips you with a strong awareness of workplace diversity, equality legislation, and group dynamics. You'll be able to foster inclusive cultures, manage employee relations effectively, and contribute to organisational development strategies that consider the wider social context.
Frequently Asked Questions
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