Section B (Option): Politics

Section B (Option): Politics in the WJEC A-Level Sociology syllabus explores the relationship between political systems, power, and social structures. This option examines how political ideologies, institutions, and processes shape and are shaped by society, focusing on key concepts such as democracy, power, authority, and the state. Students analyse different political systems, including liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes, and evaluate theories of power from pluralist, elite, Marxist, and feminist perspectives. The topic also covers the role of social movements, political parties, and voting behaviour, linking these to wider issues of inequality, identity, and globalisation.

Understanding politics is crucial for sociology because political decisions directly impact social policies, resource distribution, and everyday life. This option helps students critically assess how power operates in society, who holds it, and how it is contested. It connects to other areas of the specification, such as crime and deviance (e.g., state crime) and stratification (e.g., class and political participation). By studying politics sociologically, students develop skills in evaluating evidence, comparing theories, and applying concepts to contemporary issues like Brexit, populism, and climate activism.

Mastery of this topic requires engaging with key sociological debates, such as whether the UK is truly democratic or an 'elective dictatorship', and how globalisation challenges state sovereignty. Students should be prepared to use real-world examples, such as the 2019 general election or the Extinction Rebellion protests, to illustrate theoretical points. This option is assessed through essay questions that demand clear argumentation, use of evidence, and critical evaluation of competing perspectives.