Cambridge IGCSE Sociology
View Course TimetableTheme 1: Research Methods
How do sociologists approach the study of society? (16 lessons)
Explore how do sociologists approach the study of society? in Sociology.
The positivist approach - scientific method
Explore how positivists apply scientific methods to discover objective social laws and patterns.
Start LessonThe positivist approach - macro view and social facts
Explore how positivists study society scientifically through social facts and macro-level analysis.
Start LessonThe positivist approach - quantitative data
Explore how positivists use scientific methods and quantitative data to study society objectively.
Start LessonThe positivist approach - causation and correlation
Explore how positivists use scientific methods to identify causation and correlation in society.
Start LessonThe positivist approach - patterns, trends, objectivity and reliability
Explore how positivists use scientific methods to identify social patterns and ensure objective research.
Start LessonThe interpretivist approach - micro view
Explore how interpretivists understand society through meanings, interactions and qualitative research methods.
Start LessonThe interpretivist approach - meanings and motivations
Explore how interpretivists understand society through meanings, motivations and social interactions.
Start LessonThe interpretivist approach - qualitative data
Explore how interpretivists use qualitative methods to understand social meanings and human experiences.
Start LessonThe interpretivist approach - in-depth, subjectivity
Explore how interpretivists understand society through meaning, subjectivity and in-depth research methods.
Start LessonThe interpretivist approach - validity and verstehen
Explore how interpretivists use verstehen and prioritise validity to understand social meanings.
Start LessonApproaches combining different research methods - triangulation
Explore how sociologists use multiple research methods to gain more accurate insights into social phenomena.
Start LessonApproaches combining different research methods - longitudinal studies
Explore how longitudinal studies combine different methods to track social change over time.
Start LessonAnalysis and evaluation of research choices - bias and interviewer effect
Examine how bias and interviewer effects can distort sociological research findings and validity.
Start LessonAnalysis and evaluation of research choices - Hawthorne/Observer effect
Understand how observer presence affects research validity and strategies to overcome bias.
Start LessonAnalysis and evaluation of research choices - validity and reliability
Learn how to evaluate sociological research using validity and reliability criteria.
Start LessonAnalysis and evaluation of research choices - representativeness and generalisability
Explore how to evaluate sociological research for representativeness and wider application to society.
Start LessonWhat types of data and evidence do sociologists use? (11 lessons)
Explore what types of data and evidence do sociologists use? in Sociology.
Sources of data - differences between primary and secondary sources
Explore how sociologists gather evidence using primary and secondary data sources for research.
Start LessonSources of data - differences between qualitative and quantitative data
Explore qualitative and quantitative data types that sociologists use to understand society.
Start LessonSources of data - strengths and limitations of each type
Explore the types of data sociologists use and evaluate their strengths and limitations.
Start LessonSecondary evidence - official statistics
Explore how sociologists use official statistics as data and their strengths and limitations.
Start LessonSecondary evidence - historical and personal documents
Explore how sociologists use historical and personal documents as evidence in their research.
Start LessonSecondary evidence - digital sources and media content
Explore how sociologists use digital data and media content as valuable secondary evidence sources.
Start LessonSecondary evidence - strengths and limitations
Explore how sociologists use secondary evidence and evaluate its strengths and limitations.
Start LessonAnalysis of qualitative and quantitative sources - sociological studies
Learn how sociologists analyse qualitative and quantitative data to understand social patterns and phenomena.
Start LessonAnalysis of qualitative and quantitative sources - diagrams
Learn how sociologists analyse qualitative and quantitative data using various diagram techniques.
Start LessonAnalysis of qualitative and quantitative sources - tables
Learn to analyse and interpret sociological data presented in tables with critical thinking.
Start LessonAnalysis of qualitative and quantitative sources - charts and graphs
Learn to analyse and interpret sociological data through charts, graphs and visual representations.
Start LessonHow do sociologists investigate society? (22 lessons)
Explore how do sociologists investigate society? in Sociology.
Stages in research design - selection of topic and aims
Learn how sociologists select research topics and develop clear, effective research aims and questions.
Start LessonStages in research design - hypothesis and target population
Learn how to develop testable hypotheses and select appropriate target populations for sociological research.
Start LessonStages in research design - methods and operationalisation
Learn how sociologists design research, choose methods and measure abstract concepts effectively.
Start LessonStages in research design - pilot studies
Learn how to design and implement pilot studies to test and refine sociological research methods.
Start LessonSampling - sampling frames
Learn how sociologists select research participants using various sampling frame techniques.
Start LessonSampling techniques - random and systematic
Learn how sociologists select representative samples using random and systematic techniques.
Start LessonSampling techniques - stratified and snowball
Learn how stratified and snowball sampling techniques help sociologists gather representative data from populations.
Start LessonSampling techniques - quota
Learn how quota sampling works and why sociologists use it to investigate society.
Start LessonSampling techniques - strengths and limitations
Learn different sampling techniques sociologists use and evaluate their strengths and limitations.
Start LessonPrimary research methods - surveys
Learn how sociologists use surveys to collect data on social attitudes and behaviours.
Start LessonPrimary research methods - questionnaires
Learn how to design, use and evaluate questionnaires as a primary sociological research method.
Start LessonPrimary research methods - structured and semi-structured interviews
Learn how to design, conduct and evaluate structured and semi-structured interview methods in sociological research.
Start LessonPrimary research methods - unstructured and group interviews
Explore unstructured and group interview techniques for gathering rich qualitative sociological data.
Start LessonPrimary research methods - participant observation
Learn how sociologists use participant observation to gather in-depth qualitative data about social groups.
Start LessonPrimary research methods - non-participant, covert, and overt observation
Learn how sociologists observe society through non-participant, covert and overt research methods.
Start LessonPrimary research methods - strengths and limitations
Explore primary research methods in sociology with their key strengths and limitations for data collection.
Start LessonTypes of question - open and closed
Learn how to design and use open and closed questions in sociological research methods.
Start LessonTypes of question - multiple choice and scaled
Learn how to design and analyse multiple-choice and scaled questions for sociological research.
Start LessonTheoretical issues affecting research - researcher perspective
Explore how researchers' values, beliefs and characteristics influence sociological investigation methods and findings.
Start LessonPractical issues affecting research - access, response rate, funding/cost, time
Explore how access, response rates, funding and time constraints affect sociological research methods.
Start LessonEthical issues affecting research - informed consent and privacy/confidentiality
Learn how informed consent and privacy principles protect participants in sociological research studies.
Start LessonEthical issues affecting research - deception, prevention of harm, legality
Explore key ethical issues in sociological research including deception, harm prevention and legal considerations.
Start LessonTheme 2: Identity: Self and Society
How do we learn our identity? (25 lessons)
Explore how do we learn our identity? in Sociology.
Society as a product of social construction - culture and norms
Explore how culture and social norms shape our identity through the process of social construction.
Start LessonSociety as a product of social construction - values and customs
Explore how society's values and customs shape our identity through social construction.
Start LessonSociety as a product of social construction - roles and status
Explore how social roles and status shape our identity through social construction and socialisation.
Start LessonSociety as a product of social construction - stereotypes
Explore how stereotypes shape our identity through social construction and their impact on society.
Start LessonHow these concepts influence individual behaviour and social identity
Explore how socialisation processes and group membership shape our personal and social identities.
Start LessonThe social construction of identity - the nature-nurture debate
Explore how identity forms through social influences and biological factors in the nature-nurture debate.
Start LessonThe social construction of identity - the relativity of culture
Explore how identity is shaped by culture and social interactions rather than biological factors.
Start LessonThe social construction of identity - socialisation, norms and values
Explore how identity forms through socialisation, learning society's norms and values from key social agencies.
Start LessonPrimary and secondary socialisation - family as an agency of socialisation
Explore how family shapes our identity through primary and secondary socialisation processes.
Start LessonPrimary and secondary socialisation - education as an agency of socialisation
Explore how family and education shape our identity through primary and secondary socialisation processes.
Start LessonPrimary and secondary socialisation - peer group as an agency of socialisation
Explore how peer groups shape our identity through socialisation processes during adolescence and beyond.
Start LessonPrimary and secondary socialisation - media as an agency of socialisation
Explore how primary and secondary socialisation shape identity, with focus on media influence.
Start LessonPrimary and secondary socialisation - religion as an agency of socialisation
Explore how religion shapes our identity through primary and secondary socialisation processes.
Start LessonPrimary and secondary socialisation - workplace as an agency of socialisation
Explore how workplaces shape our identity through formal and informal socialisation processes.
Start LessonPrimary and secondary socialisation - effectiveness of each agency
Explore how family, education, peers and media shape our identity through socialisation processes.
Start LessonProcesses used by agencies - canalisation and hidden curriculum
Explore how canalisation and hidden curriculum shape our identities through socialisation processes.
Start LessonProcesses used by agencies - media representations and peer pressure
Explore how media portrayals and peer influence shape our personal and social identities.
Start LessonProcesses used by agencies - religious teachings and role modelling
Explore how religious teachings and role models shape our personal and social identities.
Start LessonProcesses used by agencies - workplace training
Explore how workplace training and socialisation processes shape our personal and professional identities.
Start LessonDebate between sociological perspectives - consensus and conflict
Explore how identity forms through consensus and conflict sociological perspectives.
Start LessonFunctionalist ideas on socialisation - inadequate socialisation
Explore how functionalists view inadequate socialisation and its impact on identity development.
Start LessonFunctionalist ideas on socialisation - social cohesion/value consensus
Explore how functionalists view socialisation as creating shared values and social stability.
Start LessonMarxist ideas on socialisation - socialisation into capitalist ideology
Explore how Marxist theory explains identity formation through capitalist socialisation processes.
Start LessonMarxist ideas on socialisation - reproduction of social class
Explore how Marxist theory explains class identity formation and social reproduction through socialisation.
Start LessonFeminist ideas on socialisation - gender role socialisation
Explore how feminist perspectives analyse gender role socialisation and identity formation in society.
Start LessonHow does society control us? (23 lessons)
Explore how does society control us? in Sociology.
Social control - formal and informal types
Explore how society regulates behaviour through formal and informal social control mechanisms.
Start LessonSocial control - positive and negative sanctions
Explore how societies use rewards and punishments to shape our behaviour and maintain order.
Start LessonSocial control - effectiveness in producing social conformity
Explore how formal and informal social control mechanisms effectively produce conformity in society.
Start LessonDebate between consensus and conflict views - functionalism
Explore how functionalism explains social control through consensus compared to conflict perspectives.
Start LessonDebate between consensus and conflict views - Marxism
Explore how Marxism challenges consensus views on social control and power in society.
Start LessonDebate between consensus and conflict views - feminism
Explore how consensus and conflict theories, especially feminism, explain social control mechanisms.
Start LessonAgencies of formal social control - government and police
Explore how government and police function as formal agencies of social control in society.
Start LessonAgencies of formal social control - courts and penal system
Explore how courts and the penal system enforce rules and control social behaviour.
Start LessonAgencies of formal social control - armed forces
Examine how armed forces function as powerful agents of formal social control in society.
Start LessonMethods of control used by formal agencies - law-making and coercion
Explore how formal agencies control society through law-making and coercive enforcement mechanisms.
Start LessonMethods of control used by formal agencies - digital surveillance
Explore how formal agencies use digital technologies to monitor and control society's behaviour.
Start LessonMethods of control used by formal agencies - arrest, sentencing, imprisonment
Explore how police, courts and prisons control society through arrest, sentencing and imprisonment.
Start LessonAgencies of informal social control - family and education
Explore how family and education shape our behaviour through informal social control mechanisms.
Start LessonAgencies of informal social control - peer group and media
Explore how peer groups and media function as powerful agencies of informal social control.
Start LessonAgencies of informal social control - religion and workplace
Explore how religion and workplaces shape our behaviour through informal social control mechanisms.
Start LessonMethods of control used by informal agencies - ostracism and parental rewards
Explore how ostracism and parental rewards function as powerful informal social control mechanisms.
Start LessonMethods of control used by informal agencies - social media likes
Explore how social media likes function as powerful tools of informal social control in modern society.
Start LessonMethods of control used by informal agencies - religious rewards/sanctions
Explore how religions use rewards and sanctions as powerful methods of informal social control.
Start LessonMethods of control used by informal agencies - school punishments and dismissal
Explore how schools control behaviour through punishment systems and the threat of dismissal.
Start LessonResistance to social control - reasons why people join protest groups and sub-cultures
Explore why people resist social control through protest movements and alternative subcultures.
Start LessonResistance to social control - deviant and non-conformist behaviour
Explore how people resist social control through deviant behaviour and what this reveals about society.
Start LessonExamples of resistance - protest groups and online sub-cultures
Explore how protest groups and online subcultures challenge social control through collective resistance.
Start LessonExamples of resistance - youth sub-cultures and religious sub-cultures
Explore how youth and religious subcultures resist mainstream social control through distinctive identities and practices.
Start LessonWhat influences our social identity? (15 lessons)
Explore what influences our social identity? in Sociology.
Social identity - age as a key aspect
Explore how age shapes our social identity, influences status and creates both opportunities and limitations.
Start LessonSocial identity - gender as a key aspect
Explore how gender shapes our social identity and influences our experiences in society.
Start LessonSocial identity - ethnicity as a key aspect
Explore how ethnicity shapes our social identity, experiences and position in society.
Start LessonSocial identity - social class as a key aspect
Explore how social class shapes identity, opportunities and cultural practices in UK society.
Start LessonSocial identity - impact of each aspect on individuals and social groups
Explore how age, gender, ethnicity and social class shape our identity and social experiences.
Start LessonThe digital self and online identities - positive impacts
Explore how digital identities positively impact self-expression, community building and social inclusion.
Start LessonThe digital self and online identities - negative impacts
Explore how digital technology shapes identity and its negative impacts on wellbeing and self-perception.
Start LessonGlobalisation's influence - cultural defence
Explore how communities protect their cultural identities against globalisation's homogenising influence.
Start LessonGlobalisation's influence - hybrid identities
Explore how globalisation creates hybrid identities by blending cultural influences in our modern world.
Start LessonGlobalisation's influence - homogenisation of identities
Explore how globalisation creates uniform identities through media, brands and technology worldwide.
Start LessonImpacts of globalisation - cultural diversity
Explore how globalisation shapes cultural diversity and impacts our social identities worldwide.
Start LessonImpacts of globalisation - multiculturalism
Explore how globalisation creates multicultural societies and transforms our social identities.
Start LessonImpacts of globalisation - global culture
Explore how globalisation creates a global culture that shapes our social identities worldwide.
Start LessonPostmodernist views of identity - digital identities
Explore how postmodernism explains our fluid, fragmented digital identities in online spaces.
Start LessonPostmodernist views of identity - consumption patterns and lifestyle
Explore how consumption patterns and lifestyle choices shape our fluid identities in postmodern society.
Start LessonTheme 3: Social Stratification and Inequality
What is social stratification? (20 lessons)
Explore what is social stratification? in Sociology.
Social stratification in open societies - achieved status
Explore how achieved status shapes social mobility and opportunities in open societies.
Start LessonSocial stratification in closed societies - ascribed status
Explore how closed societies maintain rigid social hierarchies through fixed ascribed statuses from birth.
Start LessonSocial stratification - poverty and wealth
Explore how society divides resources and creates systems of inequality through wealth and poverty.
Start LessonSocial stratification - power
Explore how power is distributed unequally in society and its impact on different groups.
Start LessonSocial stratification - social mobility and meritocracy
Explore social mobility types and how meritocracy affects life opportunities in stratified societies.
Start LessonSocial stratification - modern slavery and caste system
Explore modern slavery and caste systems as forms of social stratification in contemporary society.
Start LessonLife chances affected by age - education and employment
Explore how age impacts education and employment opportunities across different life stages.
Start LessonLife chances affected by age - health, housing, life expectancy
Explore how age affects health outcomes, housing access and life expectancy in UK society.
Start LessonLife chances affected by gender - education and employment
Explore how gender influences educational outcomes and employment opportunities in modern society.
Start LessonLife chances affected by gender - health, housing, life expectancy
Explore how gender creates unequal life chances in health, housing and life expectancy.
Start LessonLife chances affected by ethnicity - education and employment
Explore how ethnicity creates unequal opportunities in UK education and employment systems.
Start LessonLife chances affected by ethnicity - health, housing, life expectancy
Explore how ethnicity affects health, housing and life expectancy in modern Britain.
Start LessonLife chances affected by social class - education and employment
Explore how social class creates unequal opportunities in education and employment outcomes.
Start LessonLife chances affected by social class - health, housing, life expectancy
Explore how social class creates inequalities in health, housing quality and life expectancy in the UK.
Start LessonIntersectionality - age, ethnicity, gender and social class
Explore how age, ethnicity, gender and social class intersect to create unique experiences of inequality.
Start LessonLabelling theory - stereotypes and master status
Explore how labelling theory explains stereotypes and master status in social hierarchies.
Start LessonLabelling theory - self-fulfilling prophecy
Explore how labels and expectations shape behaviour and reinforce social inequality through self-fulfilling prophecies.
Start LessonMarxism - exploitation of the proletariat
Explore how Marxism explains social inequality through the exploitation of workers under capitalism.
Start LessonMarxism - ideological control
Explore how ruling classes maintain power through controlling ideas and beliefs in society.
Start LessonMarxism - poverty trap and reserve army of labour
Explore how Marxist theory explains social inequality through the poverty trap and reserve army of labour concepts.
Start LessonWhat attempts have been made to reduce social inequalities? (20 lessons)
Explore what attempts have been made to reduce social inequalities? in Sociology.
Use of legislation - progressive taxation
Explore how progressive taxation aims to reduce social inequality through redistributive policies.
Start LessonUse of legislation - redistribution of wealth through benefits
Explore how legislation and benefit systems redistribute wealth to reduce social inequalities.
Start LessonUse of legislation - minimum wage
Explore how minimum wage legislation aims to reduce social inequalities in the UK.
Start LessonUse of legislation - equal opportunities laws
Explore how equal opportunities legislation works to combat discrimination and reduce social inequalities.
Start LessonUse of legislation - other government measures
Explore how UK legislation and government policies work to reduce various forms of social inequality.
Start LessonWelfare states - free and/or universal education
Explore how welfare states use free education to combat social inequality and promote opportunity.
Start LessonWelfare states - unemployment benefits
Explore how welfare states use unemployment benefits to reduce social inequalities in society.
Start LessonWelfare states - pensions
Explore how pension systems work to reduce inequality and provide security for older citizens.
Start LessonWelfare states - low-cost housing
Explore how welfare states use low-cost housing to combat social inequality and poverty.
Start LessonWelfare states - free healthcare
Explore how welfare states use free healthcare systems to reduce social inequalities globally.
Start LessonWelfare states - universal basic income
Explore how Universal Basic Income could reduce inequality through unconditional payments to all citizens.
Start LessonWork of NGOs - reducing poverty
Explore how NGOs implement strategies to reduce poverty and inequality worldwide.
Start LessonWork of NGOs - providing medical assistance
Explore how medical NGOs work to reduce health inequalities through global humanitarian assistance.
Start LessonWork of NGOs - promoting business
Explore how NGOs reduce inequality through business promotion, microfinance and fair trade initiatives.
Start LessonWork of NGOs - improving education
Explore how NGOs work to reduce inequality through educational initiatives worldwide.
Start LessonViews on attempts to reduce inequalities - New Right criticisms
Explore New Right criticisms of welfare policies and equality measures in contemporary society.
Start LessonViews on attempts to reduce inequalities - culture of poverty and dependency
Explore how the culture of poverty theory shapes debates about welfare dependency and inequality reduction.
Start LessonViews on attempts to reduce inequalities - Marxist criticisms
Explore how Marxists critique welfare, education and other inequality reduction attempts as system-preserving reforms.
Start LessonViews on attempts to reduce inequalities - criticisms of NGOs
Examine criticisms of NGOs and evaluate their effectiveness in reducing social inequalities.
Start LessonViews on attempts to reduce inequalities - feminist criticisms
Explore feminist critiques of inequality reduction efforts and alternative approaches to gender justice.
Start LessonHow has globalisation affected inequalities between societies? (12 lessons)
Explore how has globalisation affected inequalities between societies? in Sociology.
Impact of migration - immigration/emigration
Explore how global migration patterns affect inequality in both sending and receiving countries.
Start LessonImpact of migration - push and pull factors
Explore how migration patterns reflect and reinforce global inequalities through push and pull factors.
Start LessonImpact of migration - increasing cultural diversity
Explore how global migration creates cultural diversity and impacts social inequalities worldwide.
Start LessonImpact of migration - economic consequences
Explore how migration creates economic impacts for both sending and receiving countries in our globalised world.
Start LessonImpact of migration - negative perceptions of migrants
Explore how negative perceptions of migrants create and reinforce social inequalities in globalised societies.
Start LessonImpact of global ecological issues - influence of transnational companies
Explore how transnational companies influence global ecological issues and environmental inequality.
Start LessonImpact of global ecological issues - climate change
Examine how climate change creates and reinforces inequalities between global societies.
Start LessonImpact of global ecological issues - pollution
Explore how global pollution creates and reinforces inequalities between wealthy and developing nations.
Start LessonImpact of global ecological issues - urbanisation
Explore how rapid urbanisation creates environmental challenges and social inequalities between societies.
Start LessonSociological explanations for global inequalities - Marxist views
Explore how Marxist theories explain global inequality through exploitation and capitalism.
Start LessonSociological explanations for global inequalities - colonialism
Examine how colonial exploitation created and maintains global economic inequalities today.
Start LessonSociological explanations for global inequalities - feminist ideas of patriarchy
Explore how feminist theories explain global inequalities through the lens of patriarchal systems.
Start LessonTheme 4: Family
What are the different types of families? (19 lessons)
Explore what are the different types of families? in Sociology.
Family structures - nuclear family
Explore the nuclear family structure, its characteristics, functions and changing patterns in society.
Start LessonFamily structures - extended family (modified, horizontal, vertical/beanpole)
Explore the three main types of extended family structures and their roles in modern society.
Start LessonFamily structures - reconstituted family
Explore reconstituted families, their formation, challenges and sociological significance in modern society.
Start LessonFamily structures - lone parent family
Explore the causes, challenges and sociological perspectives on lone parent families in the UK.
Start LessonFamily structures - empty nest and childless families
Explore empty nest and childless family structures and their sociological significance in modern society.
Start LessonFamily structures - strengths and limitations of different structures
Explore diverse family structures and evaluate the strengths and limitations of each type.
Start LessonVariations and diversity - cross-cultural variations
Explore how family structures vary across different cultures, religions and economic systems.
Start LessonVariations and diversity - social class variations
Explore how social class shapes family structures, relationships and parenting styles in the UK.
Start LessonVariations and diversity - ethnic variations
Explore how family structures vary across different ethnic groups in UK society.
Start LessonSociological views - New Right views on family diversity
Explore New Right views on family diversity and their critique of non-traditional family structures.
Start LessonSociological views - postmodernist views on family diversity
Explore how postmodernists explain family diversity through choice, fluidity and personal identity.
Start LessonSociological views - extent of family diversity and nuclear family dominance
Explore sociological debates on family diversity and the dominance of nuclear family structures.
Start LessonAlternatives to the family - single person households
Explore the rise of single person households as a growing alternative to traditional family structures.
Start LessonAlternatives to the family - shared households
Explore shared households as alternatives to traditional family structures in modern society.
Start LessonAlternatives to the family - friends as family
Explore how friendship networks function as alternative family structures in modern society.
Start LessonTypes of marriage - arranged marriage
Explore arranged marriages, their cultural contexts and distinctions from forced marriages.
Start LessonTypes of marriage - empty shell marriage
Explore empty shell marriages: their causes, impacts and significance in family sociology.
Start LessonTypes of marriage - love marriage
Explore love marriage as a form of family formation based on personal choice and romantic attachment.
Start LessonTypes of marriage - monogamy and serial monogamy
Explore monogamy and serial monogamy as marriage patterns in contemporary society and culture.
Start LessonWhat is the role of the family for the individual and society? (21 lessons)
Explore what is the role of the family for the individual and society? in Sociology.
Functionalist views - how the family benefits its members and society
Explore how functionalists view family as a vital institution benefiting individuals and maintaining social stability.
Start LessonFunctionalist views - functions of the family
Explore how functionalists view the family's key roles in maintaining social stability.
Start LessonFunctionalist views - loss of functions debate
Explore how functionalists view family's changing roles and functions in modern society.
Start LessonFunctionalist views - changes in family functions over time
Explore how family functions have evolved from traditional to modern societies through functionalist theory.
Start LessonFunctionalist views - warm bath theory
Explore how functionalists view the family as a stabilising 'warm bath' in society.
Start LessonFunctionalist views - importance of the nuclear family
Explore how functionalists view the nuclear family as essential for society's stability and individuals' wellbeing.
Start LessonMarxist views - how the family benefits capitalism
Explore how the family serves capitalism by reproducing labour power and reinforcing inequality.
Start LessonMarxist views - exploitation of family members
Explore how Marxists view the family as a tool for economic exploitation and ideological control
Start LessonMarxist views - reproduction of class inequalities
Explore how families perpetuate class inequality through inheritance, socialisation and capitalist values.
Start LessonMarxist views - family as a unit of consumption
Explore how Marxists view the family as a consumption unit serving capitalism's interests.
Start LessonMarxist views - family and ideological control
Explore how Marxists view the family as a tool for maintaining capitalism through ideological control.
Start LessonFeminist views - how the family benefits patriarchy and male power
Explore how family structures maintain male power and reinforce gender inequality according to feminist theory.
Start LessonFeminist views - the domestic division of labour
Explore how feminists analyse gender inequality in housework and family responsibilities.
Start LessonFeminist views - domestic violence and abuse
Examining how feminist perspectives reveal and challenge domestic violence in family structures.
Start LessonFeminist views - joint and segregated conjugal roles
Explore feminist perspectives on gender roles and power dynamics within family structures.
Start LessonFeminist views - dual burden / triple shift
Explore how feminists view women's unpaid domestic labour and emotional work in families.
Start LessonFeminist views - decision-making and gendered socialisation
Explore how feminist perspectives reveal gender inequality in family decision-making and socialisation processes.
Start LessonStrengths and limitations of functionalist views
Examine how functionalists view family roles and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their perspective.
Start LessonStrengths and limitations of Marxist views
Critically examine how Marxists view the family as serving capitalism's interests and maintaining inequality.
Start LessonStrengths and limitations of feminist views
Explore feminist critiques of family structures and evaluate their strengths and limitations.
Start LessonDebates about whether family life is positive or negative
Explore contrasting sociological views on whether family life benefits or harms individuals and society.
Start LessonHow is family life changing? (23 lessons)
Explore how is family life changing? in Sociology.
Demographic factors - family size
Explore how family size has changed over time and the demographic factors driving these trends.
Start LessonDemographic factors - birth rates
Explore how changing birth rates are transforming family structures and societies worldwide.
Start LessonDemographic factors - life expectancy and ageing population
Explore how increased life expectancy and ageing populations are transforming modern family structures.
Start LessonDemographic factors - having children in later life
Explore how and why people are having children later in life and its societal impacts.
Start LessonImpact of industrialisation and urbanisation on family structures
Explore how industrialisation and urbanisation transformed family structures from extended to nuclear units.
Start LessonImpact of industrialisation and urbanisation on family roles
Explore how industrialisation and urbanisation transformed family structures and gender roles.
Start LessonChanging patterns in marriage - impact of legislation
Explore how marriage laws have transformed family structures and relationships in modern Britain.
Start LessonChanging patterns in marriage - societal attitudes and values
Explore how marriage patterns and societal attitudes toward relationships have transformed in modern Britain.
Start LessonChanging patterns in marriage - role of the internet
Explore how online dating and social media are transforming modern marriage patterns globally.
Start LessonChanging patterns in marriage - secularisation
Explore how secularisation has transformed marriage patterns and family structures in modern Britain.
Start LessonChanging patterns in marriage - cultural expectations
Explore how marriage patterns are changing and the diverse cultural expectations influencing family formation today.
Start LessonChanging patterns in marriage - changes in women's status and power
Explore how women's status and power in marriage has evolved from patriarchy to partnership.
Start LessonAlternatives to marriage - cohabitation
Explore how cohabitation has emerged as a significant alternative to traditional marriage in modern society.
Start LessonAlternatives to marriage - singlehood
Explore singlehood as a lifestyle choice and its impact on modern family structures.
Start LessonAlternatives to marriage - lone parents
Explore how lone-parent families have emerged as a significant alternative to traditional marriage.
Start LessonAlternatives to marriage - civil partnerships
Explore civil partnerships as legal alternatives to marriage and their impact on family diversity.
Start LessonChanging conjugal roles - more diverse family types
Explore how family structures and partner roles have diversified in modern society.
Start LessonChanging conjugal roles - segregated to joint roles
Explore how family roles have shifted from segregated to joint arrangements in modern society.
Start LessonChanging conjugal roles - pivot/sandwich generation
Explore how middle-aged adults balance caring for both elderly parents and dependent children simultaneously.
Start LessonChanging roles of children - economic burden/cost
Explore how children's role has shifted from economic assets to costly dependents in modern families.
Start LessonChanging roles of children - child-centredness and boomerang children
Explore how child-centredness and boomerang children are reshaping modern family dynamics and structures.
Start LessonChanging roles of grandparents - childcare and economic support
Explore how grandparents' roles have evolved in providing childcare and financial support to modern families.
Start LessonChanging roles of grandparents - wisdom/advice and dependency
Explore how grandparents' roles have shifted between providing wisdom and requiring care in modern families.
Start LessonTheme 5: Education
What is education and schooling? (12 lessons)
Explore what is education and schooling? in Sociology.
Formal and informal education - key differences
Explore the key differences between formal and informal education systems and their social functions.
Start LessonThe official curriculum - testing, syllabus content and subjects
Explore how testing, syllabus content and subject hierarchies shape the official school curriculum.
Start LessonThe hidden curriculum - norms, values, punctuality, conformity, gender roles
Explore how schools secretly teach social norms, values, conformity and gender roles through the hidden curriculum.
Start LessonTypes of schools - state/public and private
Explore the differences between state and private schools and their impact on educational outcomes.
Start LessonTypes of schools - selective/non-selective
Explore different types of schools and how selection processes impact educational opportunity and equality.
Start LessonTypes of schools - single-sex and co-educational
Explore the differences between single-sex and co-educational schools and their impacts on students.
Start LessonTypes of schools - faith schools and international
Explore faith schools and international schools as distinct educational alternatives in the UK system.
Start LessonTypes of schools - strengths and limitations
Explore different types of schools in the UK and evaluate their strengths and limitations.
Start LessonAlternative approaches - online learning and homeschooling
Explore alternative education through online learning and homeschooling beyond traditional classroom settings.
Start LessonAlternative approaches - unschooling and vocational learning
Explore alternative education approaches through unschooling and vocational learning systems.
Start LessonAlternative approaches - progressive schooling
Explore alternative educational approaches focusing on child-centred, experiential progressive schooling methods.
Start LessonAlternative approaches - strengths and limitations
Explore alternative education approaches and evaluate their strengths and limitations in modern society.
Start LessonWhat are the roles and functions of education? (19 lessons)
Explore what are the roles and functions of education? in Sociology.
Functionalist view - positive roles and functions (socialisation, social control)
Explore how functionalists view education's positive roles in socialisation and social control.
Start LessonFunctionalist view - economic and selective roles
Explore how functionalists view education's economic and selective roles in society.
Start LessonFunctionalist view - meritocracy and social mobility
Explore how functionalists view education as promoting meritocracy and enabling social mobility.
Start LessonFunctionalist view - role allocation and value consensus
Explore how functionalists view education's role in allocating jobs and creating shared societal values.
Start LessonFunctionalist view - equal opportunities and standardised testing
Explore how functionalists view education as creating equal opportunities through standardised testing and meritocracy.
Start LessonFunctionalist view - setting by ability and vocationalism
Explore how functionalists view education's role in society through ability grouping and vocational training.
Start LessonFunctionalist view - strengths and limitations
Explore how functionalists view education's societal role and evaluate their perspective's strengths and limitations.
Start LessonMarxist view - reproduction of class inequalities
Explore how schools maintain social inequality according to Marxist sociological theory.
Start LessonMarxist view - socialisation and social control as capitalist ideological control
Explore how education serves as a tool for capitalist control through socialisation and ideology.
Start LessonMarxist view - hidden and official curriculum
Explore how Marxists view education as reproducing inequality through hidden and official curricula.
Start LessonMarxist view - middle-class culture in schools and cultural capital
Explore how schools reproduce inequality through middle-class values and unequal distribution of cultural capital.
Start LessonMarxist view - myth of meritocracy and material factors
Explore how Marxists view education as reinforcing inequality through meritocratic myths and material disadvantages.
Start LessonMarxist view - strengths and limitations
Examine how Marxists view education as reproducing inequality and serving capitalism's needs.
Start LessonFeminist view - roles and functions in perpetuating gender inequalities
Explore how schools reinforce gender inequality through hidden curriculum and socialisation processes.
Start LessonFeminist view - patriarchal culture and male power
Explore how schools reproduce patriarchal values and maintain male power in educational settings.
Start LessonFeminist view - gender hierarchy and role models
Explore how schools reinforce gender hierarchies and the impact of gendered role models in education.
Start LessonFeminist view - access to education and gendered curriculum
Explore feminist critiques of gender inequality in education, focusing on access and curriculum issues.
Start LessonFeminist view - teacher expectations, peer groups and social control
Explore how feminist theory analyses gender inequality in education through teacher bias and peer pressure.
Start LessonFeminist view - strengths and limitations
Examine feminist critiques of education, their strengths and limitations in explaining gender inequality.
Start LessonTheme 6: Crime, Deviance and Social Control
What are crime, deviance and social control? (2 lessons)
Explore what are crime, deviance and social control? in Sociology.
Differences between crime and deviance - definitions
Explore the key differences between crime and deviance and how social control shapes behaviour.
Start LessonRelativity of crime and deviance across societies, cultures, situations and time
Explore how definitions of crime and deviance vary across different cultures, time periods and social contexts.
Start Lesson