AQA GCSE Sociology Summary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards summarizing key concepts from AQA GCSE Sociology Topics.

What characterizes Conflict Theory?

Social inequality, power inequality, and social change.

What is emphasized in Consensus Theory?

Social cohesion, cooperation, and shared values and norms.

What are two critiques of Conflict Theory?

Overlooks cooperation and shared values.

What is a key characteristic of Functionalism?

Society is viewed as a system of interconnected parts.

Who is a key theorist associated with the critique of capitalism?

Karl Marx.

What does Feminism focus on in sociology?

Gender and patriarchy, emphasizing intersectionality.

What are qualitative methods in sociological research?

Methods that gather non-numerical data such as interviews and focus groups.

What are the strengths of quantitative methods?

They allow for testing hypotheses and are generally generalizable.

What is a mixed methods approach?

A research strategy that combines qualitative and quantitative methods.

What is the purpose of pilot studies in research design?

To test feasibility and refine study design.

List three types of family forms as defined in sociology.

Nuclear family, extended family, lone parent family.

What factors contribute to family diversity?

Secularization, changes in women's position, legislative changes.

What does the term 'beanpole family' refer to?

Multiple generations of a family with few children.

What is the significance of the symmetrical family according to Wilmot and Young?

It describes a family where responsibilities are shared equally between partners.

What is the functionalist view on the traditional division of labor in families?

It maintains stability within the family and society.

What is the impact of globalization on family structures?

Emphasis on interconnectedness and its impact on economic, political, and cultural life.

What does Becker's Differential Association theory propose?

Deviant behavior is learned through interactions with others.

What is the 'dark figure of crime'?

Unreported and unrecorded criminal activity.

What role does education play in social mobility?

It can level the playing field for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is the concept of 'myth of meritocracy' in Marxist theory?

The belief that success is solely based on individual talent and effort, ignoring social class barriers.

How does labeling impact student motivation and performance?

It can create a self-fulfilling prophecy affecting how students perceive their abilities.

What is the major critique of traditional family roles from feminist perspectives?

They reinforce oppression and perpetuate gender inequalities.

What key concept describes poverty as a relative issue?

Relative deprivation.