Focus on key concepts, theoretical perspectives, and research methods essential for the AQA syllabus.
Socialisation
The lifelong process of learning the norms, values, and customs necessary to function in a particular society.
Culture
The entire way of life for a society, including language, beliefs, behaviour, and material objects.
Social Class
A system of stratification based on economic factors such as income, wealth, and occupation (e.g., middle class, working class).
Ascribed Status
A social position that a person receives at birth or assumes involuntarily later in life (e.g., gender, ethnicity).
Achieved Status
A social position that a person earns or chooses through personal effort or accomplishment (e.g., job title, academic degree).
Norms
The unwritten rules of behaviour that are considered acceptable in a group or society.
Values
The deeply held beliefs about what is right, wrong, good, and bad (e.g., valuing freedom, respect).
Hidden Curriculum
The unwritten lessons taught in schools, such as punctuality, obedience, and respecting authority, which reproduce inequality according to some theories.
Life Chances
The opportunities an individual has to improve their life and fulfil their potential (often limited by class/gender/ethnicity).
[Image of social stratification pyramid]
Functionalism
A consensus theory that views society as a system of interconnected parts (institutions), all working together for social harmony and stability.
Marxism
A conflict theory focusing on the division between the bourgeoisie (owners of capital) and the proletariat (working class). Sees society driven by class conflict.
Feminism (General)
A conflict theory focused on the issue of gender inequality (patriarchy) and how it affects social structures, institutions, and relationships.
Interactionism
A micro-level theory focused on the meaning and interpretation of social actions and face-to-face interactions (e.g., labelling theory in education).
Consensus Theory
Theories (like Functionalism) that argue society is based on agreement and shared norms and values.
Conflict Theory
Theories (like Marxism and Feminism) that argue society is based on conflict, power struggles, and inequality between social groups. [Image illustrating different sociological perspectives on social class]
Patriarchy
A social system where men hold the primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.
Primary Data
Data collected first-hand by the researcher for the specific purpose of their study (e.g., conducting their own interviews or surveys).
Secondary Data
Data that already exists and was collected by someone else (e.g., government statistics, census data, previous studies).
Quantitative Data
Numerical data that can be measured and counted (e.g., crime rates, exam results). Often preferred by Positivists.
Qualitative Data
Non-numerical, descriptive data that captures the meaning and feelings of individuals (e.g., interview transcripts, observations). Often preferred by Interpretivists.
Reliability
Consistency. A reliable method, if repeated, should produce the same results (e.g., structured questionnaires are generally reliable).
Validity
Truthfulness. A valid method gives a true, genuine picture of what is being studied (e.g., unstructured interviews often have high validity).
Sampling Frame
A list of all members of the target population from which the sample is drawn (e.g., the electoral register).
Random Sample
A sample where every member of the sampling frame has an equal chance of being selected. Increases representativeness.
State / Give
Provide a specific fact or term. Usually 1-2 marks and needs no elaboration.
Outline
Give a summary or essential features of a theory or study. Requires main points only, often in two separate points for 4 marks.
Explain
Set out the reasons or causes. Must include the word 'because' or similar causal link, linking theory to context (e.g., Explain, using Functionalism...).
Evaluate
Judge the value. Requires points of **Strengths (S) and Weaknesses (W)**, often related to the method (PET: Practical, Ethical, Theoretical).
Analyse
Break down a complex sociological idea or issue into its component parts (e.g., Analyse how gender and class intersect in educational attainment).
Discuss
Present both sides of an argument (A01: knowledge, A03: evaluation/comparison) and often requires a conclusion.