GCSEs: Sociology

Why study GCSE Sociology?

Sociology is a fascinating subject because it involves the study of everything around us- society. In the process of studying Sociology you will be able to bring your own wider experiences to the classroom to help in the study of topics like the family etc. You will also be able to constantly apply what you learn in the classroom to help you to have a deeper understanding of social life, and be a more informed and reflective participant in it.

What do I study?
-The family and identity- a look at the nature of the family and how it contributes to our individual identity
-Power and citizenship- a look at the nature of power, political decision making and individual political socialisation
-Education- a look at the role of education, how the role and structure have changed and how different social groups experience education
-Work and employment- a look at a range of issues surrounding work, such as the nature of work and leisure,
unemployment and whether all social groups experience these in the same way
-Crime, deviance and social control- a look at definitions of crime and deviance, types of social control and patterns of crime
-Protest and social movements- a look at the nature of protest and social movements, how they develop and protest
-Religion- a look at the nature of religion and whether it is declining or just evolving
-The mass media- a look at the relationship between the media and audiences, and the creation and presentation
of media content
-Contemporary social changes- a look at the causes and effects of contemporary social changes
-Poverty- a look at defining poverty, measuring and explaining it and dealing with it
-Methodology- a look at the nature of sociological evidence and research processes

Where does GCSE Sociology take me?
It will help develop a range of thinking and interpersonal skills that will help you in your studies and beyond. It will help you to become a more informed and reflective member of society. It links very well with other Humanities subjects and has particular value for careers in a wide range of areas from Law to Social Work.