Sociology GCSE

• What is the first topic covered in AQA GCSE sociology?

  The sociological approach.
• What is the conflict versus consensus debate in sociology?

  • Conflict theory: Society characterized by social inequality and power struggles.
  • Consensus theory: Society characterized by social cohesion and shared values.
• What do conflict theorists emphasize in their analysis of society?

  The importance of power inequality and social change.
• How has conflict theory been applied in the UK?

  To issues such as class and race inequality.
• What are two dominant conflict theories in sociology?

  Marxism and feminism.
• What does consensus theory argue about social structures?

  They serve to maintain social order and stability.
• What is one dominant consensus theory in sociology?

  Functionalism.
• What do critics of conflict theory argue?

  It overlooks cooperation and shared values in society.
• What do critics of consensus theory argue?

  It fails to account for social conflicts and power dynamics.
• What are some ongoing debates within sociology in the UK?

  • The role of the state
  • Globalization
  • Impact of new technologies
• How has sociological knowledge changed over time?

  1. From structural functionalism to postmodernism
  2. From class-based analyses to intersectionality
  3. From macro level to micro level analysis
  4. From modernity to globalization
• Who is Émile Durkheim?

  A French sociologist concerned with social norms and values.
• What did Durkheim argue about modern societies?

  They are characterized by a decline in traditional social bonds.
• What is Karl Marx known for?

  His critique of the capitalist economic system.
• What did Marx emphasize in his work?

  The importance of social class and economic relations.
• Who is Max Weber?

  A German sociologist interested in rationalization and social life.
• What did Weber argue about modern society?

  It is characterized by rationalization and bureaucratic institutions.
• What are the four major sociological perspectives?

  1. Functionalism
  2. Marxism
  3. Feminism
  4. Interactionism
• What do functionalists believe about social structures?

  They are necessary for maintaining social order and stability.
• What do Marxist perspectives emphasize?

  The importance of social class and economic relations.
• What do feminist sociologists focus on?

  The ways in which gender shapes social structures and experiences.
• What is the focus of interactionism in sociology?

  How individuals create and interpret meaning in social interactions.
• What are the core areas of sociology that are interconnected?

  • Social structure
  • Social change
  • Social institutions
  • Social inequality
• What does social structure refer to?

  The patterns of social relationships and institutions in a society.
• What is social change?

  The evolution and transformation of societies and structures over time.
• What are social institutions?

  Organized systems of norms, values, and beliefs governing behavior.
• What does social inequality refer to?

  The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities in society.
• What are key terms and concepts in sociology?

  1. Society
  2. Socialization
  3. Norms
  4. Values
  5. Roles
  6. Labeling
  7. Discrimination
  8. Power
  9. Social structure

  10. Social process

  11. Social issues
• What is research design in sociology?

  The process of creating a plan to answer a research question.
• What is the first step in research design?

  Establishment of appropriate aims and relevant hypotheses.
• What are pilot studies used for?

  To test the feasibility of the research design.
• What is the purpose of sampling in research design?

  To select a subset of the population to represent the entire population.
• What types of data can be collected in research?

  Qualitative or quantitative data.
• What is the final step in research design?

  Analysis of data.
• What are qualitative methods in research?

  • Gather non-numerical data (words, images)
  • Include interviews, focus groups, observations
  • Useful for exploring complex phenomena
• What are quantitative methods in research?

  • Gather numerical data for statistical analysis
  • Include surveys, experiments, observational studies
  • Useful for exploring measurable phenomena
• What is the mixed methods approach in research?

  Combining qualitative and quantitative methods for comprehensive understanding.
• How does the mixed methods approach improve research validity?

  By using multiple methods to measure the same construct.
• What is the purpose of questionnaires in research?

  To ask participants a set of standardized questions.
• What are the strengths of interviews in research?

  They provide detailed and nuanced data.