AQA GCSE Sociology

Course Content

Areas of Study in GCSE Sociology From 2019

Families 60 lessons

Changing Relationships Within Families 12 lessons

1 Pre-industrial Family Relationships

2 Industrial Family Relationships

3 Contemporary Family Relationships

4 Quality of Parenting Issues

5 Teenager-Adult Relationships

6 Care of Disabled and Elderly

7 Arranged Marriage

8 The Symmetrical Family Theory

9 Willmott and Young Research

10 Principle of Stratified Diffusion

11 Criticisms of Symmetrical Family Theory

12 Contemporary Family Changes

Conjugal Role Relationships 16 lessons

1 Understanding Conjugal Roles

2 Joint Conjugal Roles

3 Segregated Conjugal Roles

4 Domestic Division of Labour

5 Traditional Family Roles

6 Contemporary Family Roles

7 Decision Making in Families

8 Money Management in Families

9 Dual Career Families

10 Child Rearing Responsibilities

11 Leisure Activities and Gender

12 Oakley on the Conventional Family

13 Feminist Perspectives on Conjugal Roles

14 Functionalist Perspectives on Conjugal Roles

15 Marxist Perspectives on Conjugal Roles

16 Evaluating Conjugal Role Relationships

Criticisms of Families 8 lessons

1 Dark Side of Family Life

2 Isolation in Families

3 Unrealistic Idealisation of Families

4 Loss of Traditional Functions

5 Lack of Contact with Wider Kinship

6 Status and Role of Women

7 Marital Breakdown Issues

8 Dysfunctional Families

Family Forms 12 lessons

1 Types of Family Structures

2 Nuclear Families

3 Extended Families

4 Reconstituted Families

5 Lone Parent Families

6 Single Sex Families

7 Family Forms in the UK

8 Global Family Forms

9 The Rapoports on Family Diversity

10 Types of Family Diversity

11 Reasons for Family Diversity

12 Evaluating Family Diversity

Functions of Families 12 lessons

1 What is a Family?

2 Family Functions Overview

3 Sexual Function of Families

4 Reproductive Function of Families

5 Economic Function of Families

6 Educational Function of Families

7 Parsons on Primary Socialisation

8 Parsons on Stabilisation of Adult Personalities

9 Functionalist View of Family Functions

10 Feminist View of Family Functions

11 Marxist View of Family Functions

12 Comparing Perspectives on Family Functions

The Sociological Approach 40 lessons

Classical Sociologists 7 lessons

1 Emile Durkheim - Life and Context

2 Durkheim Key Ideas

3 Karl Marx - Life and Context

4 Marx Key Ideas

5 Max Weber - Life and Context

6 Weber Key Ideas

7 Comparing Classical Sociologists

Conflict vs Consensus 5 lessons

1 Understanding Consensus Theory

2 Understanding Conflict Theory

3 Consensus vs Conflict Debate

4 Social Order and Social Change

5 Contemporary Applications

Key Concepts 8 lessons

1 Socialisation

2 Norms and Values

3 Roles and Status

4 Social Control

5 Power and Authority

6 Labelling and Discrimination

7 Social Processes

8 Social Issues

Review and Assessment 5 lessons

1 Review of Sociological Approaches

2 Practice Questions - Perspectives

3 Practice Questions - Key Concepts

4 Assessment Preparation

5 Theme 1 Assessment

Sociological Perspectives 10 lessons

1 Introduction to Sociological Perspectives

2 Functionalism - Basic Principles

3 Functionalism - Key Thinkers

4 Marxism - Basic Principles

5 Marxism - Key Thinkers

6 Feminism - Basic Principles

7 Feminism - Key Thinkers

8 Interactionism - Basic Principles

9 Interactionism - Key Thinkers

10 Comparing Sociological Perspectives

Understanding Sociology 5 lessons

1 What is Sociology?

2 Sociology as a Social Science

3 The Development of Sociology

4 Key Sociological Concepts

5 Society and Social Structures

Crime and Deviance 64 lessons

Criminal and Deviant Behaviour 16 lessons

1 Factors Affecting Criminal Behaviour - Class

2 Factors Affecting Criminal Behaviour - Gender

3 Factors Affecting Criminal Behaviour - Ethnicity

4 Factors Affecting Criminal Behaviour - Age

5 Public Debates about Crime

6 Violent Crime Concerns

7 Sentencing Debates

8 Treatment of Young Offenders

9 Prison System Debates

10 Media Coverage of Crime

11 Albert Cohen on Delinquent Subcultures

12 Status Frustration Theory

13 Carlen on Women Crime and Poverty

14 Gender Deal and Class Deal

15 Control Theory and Crime

16 Contemporary Crime Issues

Data on Crime 15 lessons

1 Sources of Crime Data

2 Official Crime Statistics

3 Police Recorded Crime

4 Victim Surveys

5 Self-report Studies

6 Patterns and Trends in Crime

7 Crime Statistics by Gender

8 Crime Statistics by Age

9 Crime Statistics by Social Class

10 The Dark Figure of Crime

11 Unreported Crime

12 Unrecorded Crime

13 Problems with Crime Statistics

14 Uses of Crime Data

15 Evaluating Crime Data Sources

Social Construction of Crime and Deviance 17 lessons

1 Defining Crime and Deviance

2 Social Construction of Crime

3 Historical Changes in Crime Definition

4 Cultural Differences in Crime Definition

5 Anomie Theory

6 Mertons Strain Theory

7 Mertons Five Adaptations

8 Labelling Theory

9 Becker on Labelling

10 Master Status and Deviant Career

11 Structural Theories of Crime

12 Subcultural Theories

13 Interactionist Theory

14 Functionalist Perspectives on Crime

15 Feminist Perspectives on Crime

16 Marxist Perspectives on Crime

17 Comparing Crime Theories

Social Control 16 lessons

1 Understanding Social Control

2 Formal Methods of Social Control

3 Informal Methods of Social Control

4 Agencies of Social Control

5 The Police and Crime Control

6 Courts and Criminal Justice

7 Prison System

8 Community Sanctions

9 Unwritten Rules and Sanctions

10 Family and Social Control

11 Education and Social Control

12 Media and Social Control

13 Heidensohn on Female Conformity

14 Patriarchal Control of Women

15 Gender and Social Control

16 Evaluating Social Control Methods

Education 60 lessons

Education and Capitalism 9 lessons

1 The Correspondence Principle

2 Bowles and Gintis Theory

3 Education and the Hidden Curriculum

4 Preparing Workers for Capitalism

5 Creating Docile Workers

6 Reproducing Class Inequality

7 Alternative Views on Correspondence Principle

8 Criticisms of Bowles and Gintis

9 Contemporary Applications

Educational Achievement 16 lessons

1 Factors Affecting Achievement - Class

2 Factors Affecting Achievement - Gender

3 Factors Affecting Achievement - Ethnicity

4 Material Deprivation

5 Cultural Deprivation

6 Cultural Capital

7 Language and Achievement

8 Parental Attitudes

9 Halsey on Class-based Inequalities

10 Ball on Parental Choice

11 Competition Between Schools

12 Educational Market Forces

13 Functionalist Views on Achievement

14 Feminist Views on Achievement

15 Marxist Views on Achievement

16 Evaluating Achievement Factors

Processes Within Schools 20 lessons

1 School Organisation and Achievement

2 Streaming in Schools

3 Setting in Schools

4 Mixed Ability Teaching

5 Labelling in Education

6 Self-fulfilling Prophecy

7 Teacher Expectations

8 Ball on Teacher Expectations

9 Student Subcultures

10 Counter School Cultures

11 Willis on Learning to Labour

12 Anti-school Subcultures

13 Pro-school Subcultures

14 Interactionist Perspectives on Schools

15 Functionalist Perspectives on School Processes

16 Feminist Perspectives on School Processes

17 Marxist Perspectives on School Processes

18 Hidden Curriculum in Practice

19 School Ethos and Achievement

20 Evaluating School Processes

Roles and Functions of Education 15 lessons

1 What is Education?

2 Functions of Education - Economic Needs

3 Functions of Education - Social Mobility

4 Functions of Education - Social Cohesion

5 Types of Schools - Primary and Secondary

6 State vs Private Education

7 Alternative Educational Provision

8 Home Schooling

9 De-schooling Movement

10 Durkheim on Education

11 Parsons on Education and Meritocracy

12 Functionalist Perspectives on Education

13 Feminist Perspectives on Education

14 Marxist Perspectives on Education

15 Comparing Educational Perspectives

Social Stratification 36 lessons

Functionalist Theory of Stratification 7 lessons

1 What is Social Stratification

2 Davis and Moore Theory

3 Effective Role Allocation

4 Performance and Rewards

5 Functionally Important Roles

6 Criticisms of Davis and Moore

7 Alternative Perspectives on Stratification

Life Chances 6 lessons

1 Factors Affecting Life Chances - Class

2 Factors Affecting Life Chances - Gender

3 Factors Affecting Life Chances - Race and Ethnicity

4 Factors Affecting Life Chances - Other Factors

5 Devine on the Affluent Worker

6 Social Mobility and Life Chances

Poverty as a Social Issue 10 lessons

1 Defining Poverty

2 Absolute vs Relative Poverty

3 Culture of Poverty

4 Material Deprivation

5 Government Responses to Poverty

6 Unemployment and Poverty

7 Globalisation and Poverty

8 Townsend on Relative Deprivation

9 Murray on the Underclass

10 New Right Theories on Poverty

Power and Authority 5 lessons

1 Types of Power and Authority

2 Weber on Authority

3 Traditional Authority

4 Charismatic Authority

5 Rational-Legal Authority

Socio-economic Class 8 lessons

1 Understanding Social Class

2 Class Divisions in Society

3 Marx on Social Class

4 Weber on Social Class

5 Contemporary Class Analysis

6 Working Class Identity

7 Middle Class Identity

8 Upper Class and Elite

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BrainyLemons?

BrainyLemons is an online learning platform that provides comprehensive GCSE and iGCSE courses designed for home study. We offer expert-created content, virtual tutoring support, and flexible learning schedules to help students achieve their academic goals from anywhere in the world.

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Our 30-minute lesson format makes it easy to fit studying into your daily routine, whether you're homeschooled, supplementing traditional education, or retaking subjects.

What age groups do you cater to?

Our courses are designed for students typically aged 14-18 taking GCSEs and iGCSEs. However, we welcome adult learners and mature students who want to gain qualifications or improve their knowledge in specific subjects.

Which exam boards do you cover?

We offer courses aligned with major exam boards including:

AQA
Cambridge
Pearson Edexcel

Each course clearly states which exam board it follows, so you can choose the right one for your needs.

How many subjects can I study at once?

You can enroll in as many subjects as you feel comfortable managing. Most students take 5-9 subjects, but this depends on your goals, available study time, and other commitments. We recommend starting with 3-4 subjects if you're new to home learning.

How long does each course take to complete?

Course duration varies by subject, typically ranging from 100-200 hours of study time. With our flexible approach, you can:

Intensive study: Complete in 6 months (4-5 hours per week)
Standard pace: Complete in 12 months (2-3 hours per week)
Extended study: Spread over 18-24 months for lighter commitment

Are your courses up to date with the latest syllabus?

Yes! All our courses are regularly updated to reflect the most current exam board specifications. We clearly indicate which exam year each course is designed for (e.g., 2026 specifications).

What does a typical lesson look like?

Each lesson is designed to take approximately 30 minutes and includes:

Clear learning objectives
Engaging video content or interactive materials
Written explanations and examples
Practice questions
Knowledge check quizzes
Progress tracking

Can I learn at my own pace?

Absolutely! One of our key advantages is flexible, self-paced learning. You can study when it suits you, repeat lessons as needed, and accelerate through topics you find easier. Our bespoke study timetable feature helps you plan your learning journey.

What if I get stuck on a topic?

We provide multiple support options:

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Do you provide practice papers and exam preparation?

Yes! Each course includes extensive revision materials, practice questions, and exam-style assessments. Our progress tracking system identifies your strengths and areas for improvement, helping you focus your revision effectively.

What equipment do I need?

You only need:

A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
Basic writing materials for note-taking
Optional: Printer for worksheets and practice papers

Can I access courses offline?

While our platform is primarily online to ensure you have the latest content and features, you can download certain materials like worksheets and revision guides for offline study.

Do you arrange exams for students?

No, you are responsible for booking and paying for your own exams. Exam fees are not included in course subscriptions. However, we provide guidance on finding local exam centres and understanding the booking process.

How do I find an exam centre?

We recommend:

Contacting local schools, colleges, or sixth forms
Searching online exam centre directories
Contacting the exam board directly
Considering private exam centres

We provide a helpful guide on our website with step-by-step instructions for finding and booking exam centres.

When should I book my exams?

Most exam boards require registration 4-6 months before the exam date. We recommend researching exam centres and booking as early as possible, especially for less common subjects or if you live in a remote area.

What grades do students typically achieve?

Our students have a 97% success rate, with many achieving grades 7-9 (A*-A equivalent). Success depends on consistent study, engagement with materials, and effective exam preparation.

How much do courses cost?

Individual courses start from £49.99-£50 per subject. We also offer bundle discounts for multiple subjects and payment plan options to make learning more affordable.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes! We provide:

Multi-subject bundle discounts
Early bird pricing for advance bookings
Price match promise against competitors
Special offers for newsletter subscribers
Family discounts for siblings

What's included in the course fee?

Your course fee includes:

24 months access to all course materials
260+ lessons per subject (varies by course)
Virtual tutor support
AI advisor access (24/7)
Progress tracking and reporting
Interactive quizzes and assessments
Revision materials and practice papers

What's NOT included?

Course fees do not include:

Exam registration fees
Exam centre costs
Physical textbooks (though digital resources are provided)
Individual face-to-face tutoring

What support do parents receive?

Parents get:

Detailed progress reports showing strengths and areas needing support
Study guide resources to monitor upcoming lessons
Complete visibility of their child's learning journey
Safety assurance with our fully moderated, child-friendly platform
Flexible scheduling options to fit family routines

How do you ensure student safety online?

We maintain a fully moderated, child-friendly platform with:

Secure login systems
Monitored virtual tutor interactions
Age-appropriate content
Privacy protection measures
Clear reporting mechanisms for any concerns

What if I'm not satisfied with my course?

We're confident in our course quality, but if you're not satisfied within the first 14 days, we offer a full refund. After this period, we'll work with you to address any specific concerns and ensure you get the most from your learning experience.

How does online learning compare to classroom teaching?

Online learning with BrainyLemons offers:

Flexibility: Study when and where it suits you
Personalisation: Learn at your own pace
Accessibility: 24/7 access to materials and support
Focused attention: No classroom distractions
Comprehensive resources: Everything you need in one place

However, it requires more self-discipline and motivation than traditional classroom learning.

Will universities and employers accept my qualifications?

Yes! GCSEs and iGCSEs obtained through independent study are identical to those achieved in traditional schools. What matters is your exam results, not how you prepared for them. Our courses prepare you for the same official exams as school students.

How do I stay motivated when studying alone?

We help maintain motivation through:

Clear progress tracking and celebration of achievements
Interactive quizzes and games that make learning fun
Regular check-ins with virtual tutors
Flexible scheduling that prevents burnout
Community features to connect with other learners

How can I contact support?

Email: support@brainylemons.com
Live Chat: Available on our website during business hours
Help Centre: Comprehensive guides and tutorials
Community Forum: Connect with other students and get peer support

What makes BrainyLemons different from other online learning platforms?

Expert-created content aligned with official exam specifications
30-minute lesson format perfect for busy schedules
24/7 AI support plus specialised virtual tutors
97% success rate with proven results
Comprehensive progress tracking for students and parents
Affordable pricing with flexible payment options
12 months access giving you plenty of time to complete courses

Got questions? Contact us!

Course fee: £49

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Course Content

Areas of Study in GCSE Sociology From 2019

For Parents: Supporting Your Child's GCSE Journey

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Frequently Asked Questions

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