Sociology Course Notes from Cambridge International AS & A Level

Sociology for Cambridge International AS & A Level

Introduction

  • This book is a coursebook for Sociology reflecting the changes to the Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology syllabus (9699) for examination from 2021.

  • Primary goals:

    • Provide knowledge about sociology to aid learning and exam preparation.

    • Reflect the new syllabus structure in terms of content and skills.

  • Structure: Each chapter aligns with the syllabus order for logical tracking of progress.

Syllabus Coverage

AS Level Topics

  1. Socialisation and the creation of social identity

    • Discusses the process of learning and socialisation, social identity, and change.

  2. Methods of research

    • Explores the various methods available to sociologists, assessing their strengths, limitations, and design.

  3. The family

    • Examines theories of family, social change, roles, and changing relationships.

    • Content of Chapters 1 and 2 is assessed on Paper 1, while Chapter 3 is on Paper 2.

  4. Education (compulsory)

    • Looks at education's role in social context and processes within schools.

  5. Globalisation (optional)

    • Considers globalisation’s impact on social change and consequences.

  6. Media (optional)

    • Addresses media ownership, control, representation, and effects.

  7. Religion (optional)

    • Discusses religion and social change, including movements.

  8. Preparing for assessment

    • Offers revision strategies, assessment techniques, and planning.

Key Concepts Throughout the Course

  • Inequality and opportunity

  • Power, control, and resistance

  • Social change and development

  • Socialisation, culture, and identity

  • Structure and human agency

Assessment Structure

  • Paper 1: Socialisation, Identity and Methods of Research (Chapters 1 & 2)

  • Paper 2: The Family (Chapter 3)

  • Paper 3: Education (Chapter 4)

  • Paper 4: Globalisation, Media, and Religion (Chapters 5, 6, & 7)

How to Use This Book

  • Features included:

    • Think like a sociologist: Prompts for practical applications of sociology.

      • Example: How sociology aids in police work against global crimes.

    • What’s the evidence?: Highlights significant case studies.

      • Example: Silva’s study on technology and family dynamics challenges traditional gender roles after observing various family interactions with laundry technology.

    • Key sociologist: Important figures in sociology highlighted.

    • Example: Harriet Martineau's contributions emphasizing women's studies and advocacy for social change.

    • Each chapter ends with:

    • Summary: Key points condensed for revision.

    • Exam-style questions: Assessments mimicking formal exams for practice.

    • Sample answers: Examples with explanations of successful responses.

Chapter 1: Socialisation and the Creation of Social Identity

Learning Objectives

  • Understand key factors in learning and socialisation, social control, conformity, resistance, and social identity.

The Social Construction of Reality

  • Defining society: People see themselves connected to their community; implies both mental (perceptions) and physical (borders) spaces.

  • Culture:

    • Material Culture: Physical objects like cars, technology reflecting cultural values.

    • Non-material Culture: Values, beliefs important to a particular culture.

    • Latent vs. Manifest Functions: Merton’s concept of items serving both intended (manifest) functions and hidden (latent) societal roles like status symbols.

Importance of Socialisation in Behaviour

  • Nature vs. Nurture Debate:

    • Nature indicates biological predispositions influencing behaviour.

    • Feral children studies (e.g., Genie) emphasize the role of socialisation in developing human characteristics and behaviors.

      • Feral children lack normal human behavior due to absence of social interaction, reinforcing the significance of socialisation.

Roles, Values, and Norms in Culture

  • Roles: Define expected behaviors based on social expectations; always relational.

  • Values: Broad guidelines shaping roles, though specific norms provide concrete rules for behavior in varying situations (Merton’s concept of anomie).

Social Control

  • Understand mechanisms of conformity and resistance as a lifelong learning process influenced by social expectations.

  • Agencies of Socialisation: Main agencies include Family, Education, Peer-Groups, Media, and Religion, impacting identity and behaviors.

    • Family: Acts as primary socialisation, shaping foundational roles and behaviors.

  • Peer Influence: Often shapes behavioral norms through positive and negative sanctions in various contexts.

Changes in Role and Identity

  • Address the evolving nature of class, gender, ethnicity, and age regarding how identities are constructed and perceived within societal frameworks.

Summary of Chapter 1

  • Key Elements:

    • Importance of socialisation.

    • Distinction between nature and nurture in developing behavior.

    • The role of various institutions in reinforcing norms and values guiding behavior.

Chapter 2: Methods of Research

Learning Objectives

  • Understand types of data, different research methods, and related issues.

Data Sources

  • Primary Data: Collected firsthand for specific research; involves control over reliability and validity.

    • Strengths: Greater control, tailored to research needs.

    • Limitations: Time-consuming, access issues.

  • Secondary Data: Existing data sources like government statistics; more efficient but may lack specifics or become outdated.

    • Strengths: Saves resources, historical analysis possible.

    • Limitations: Potential lack of relevancy or context to researcher’s needs.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

  • Quantitative: Focuses on numerical data, aims for objectivity and replicability; useful for establishing correlations.

  • Qualitative: Aims for depth of understanding; often more valid but less reliable; includes observational studies.

/

Research Design and Methods

  • Steps in research include:

    • Defining the problem and aim, selecting methods, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting and reporting findings.

    • Sampling methods: random, stratified, opportunity.

Ethical Considerations

  • Ethical responsibilities of researchers regarding their subjects (informed consent, avoiding harm).

Conclusion of Research Methodologies

  • Emphasize the interplay between theoretical frameworks, practical limitations, and ethical standards in successfully conducting sociological research.