The study of society in order to study and understand society
Sociologists
Develop theories about how society works
Sociology is the study of society
Sociologists
Are interested in how societies work and the ways in which individuals, groups and institutions are interrelated
Institutions sociologists study
The family
The media
Religion
The education system
Sociologists
Ask questions about the structure of institutions, in whose interests they operate, and the effect that they have on individuals and on society as a whole
Areas of social concern sociologists study
Crime
Divorce
Poverty
Sociologists
Try to explain why social issues occur and how they affect society and individuals
Sociologists
Look at how factors such as social class, gender, ethnicity and age can affect an individual's chances in life
Sociological evidence
Various forms of evidence used by sociology students to express and evaluate ideas about different aspects of society
Sociologists carry out research on aspects of society to help them understand what is happening and why
Research methods used by sociologists are relevant to the sociology course, but will be considered in detail and assessed in Component 2
Sociologists develop concepts, which are terms used to express particular ideas about society
Examples are useful to illustrate sociological points and to evaluate ideas
Sociology students are encouraged to use various types of sociological evidence to understand and explain various social issues, and to think critically about different explanations
No previous knowledge is required, but an open and enquiring attitude is essential
