Section B (Option): Families and households

The 'Families and households' option in WJEC A-Level Sociology explores the diverse forms, functions, and experiences of family life in contemporary society. This topic examines how families have changed over time, the roles they play in socialisation and care, and the impact of social divisions such as class, gender, ethnicity, and age on household structures. Students will critically evaluate sociological theories—including functionalism, Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism—to understand how families both shape and are shaped by wider social forces.

Understanding families and households is crucial because the family is often seen as the cornerstone of society, yet it is also a site of inequality, conflict, and change. This topic connects to broader sociological debates about socialisation, power, and the state, as well as contemporary issues like the decline of the traditional nuclear family, same-sex parenting, and the impact of welfare policies. By studying this option, students develop analytical skills to question common-sense assumptions and appreciate the diversity of family life in the UK today.

Within the WJEC specification, this option is studied alongside other themes such as education, crime and deviance, or social stratification. It requires students to apply sociological perspectives to real-world data, including official statistics and qualitative studies. Mastery of this topic enables students to engage critically with media debates about 'family breakdown' and to understand how policies affect different groups, making it highly relevant for careers in social work, education, policy, and law.