Section C (Option): Religion

Section C (Option): Religion in the WJEC A-Level Sociology syllabus invites students to explore the complex relationship between religion, society, and individual belief systems. This option examines how religious institutions, beliefs, and practices shape and are shaped by social structures, including class, gender, ethnicity, and globalisation. You will critically evaluate classical and contemporary sociological theories—from Durkheim's functionalist view of religion as a source of social cohesion to Marx's critique of religion as the 'opium of the people'—and apply them to modern phenomena such as secularisation, fundamentalism, and the rise of new religious movements. Understanding this topic is essential for grasping how religion continues to influence social order, conflict, and identity in a supposedly secular age.

Why does this matter? In an increasingly globalised world, religion remains a powerful force in politics, culture, and personal identity. Debates over secularisation, religious pluralism, and the role of faith in public life are central to contemporary sociology. This option equips you with the analytical tools to assess claims about religious decline, the resurgence of fundamentalism, and the privatisation of belief. By studying religion sociologically, you move beyond personal opinion to examine patterns, causes, and consequences—skills that are invaluable for critical thinking in any field.

This topic fits into the wider A-Level Sociology course by building on foundational concepts from earlier units, such as socialisation, culture, and identity. It also connects to themes of power and inequality, as you will explore how religion can both legitimise and challenge existing social hierarchies. Mastering this option will deepen your understanding of how belief systems operate within social contexts, preparing you for exam questions that require nuanced evaluation of theories and evidence.