Higher Sociology SQA
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Content Overview
22 topics in 3 modules
☑️ Human Society 9 topics
- Common-sense and sociological approaches and the differences between them
- Sociological perspectives, concepts and theories
- Features, strengths and weaknesses of structural and action perspectives
- features, strengths, weaknesses of consensus and conflict theories
- Similarities and differences between theories
- the research process in sociology
- Strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in sociology
- Using sociological theories to analyse and explain human social behaviour.
- Using knowledge and understanding to evaluate research and evidence to support explanations.
☑️ Culture and Identity 10 topics
- Culture and Identity
- Knowledge of sociological concepts
- The impact of socialisation on the formation of identity
- Significance of power and status in terms of relationships
- Understanding of identity which must include both age and gender
- Understanding of culture including high culture and popular culturer
- Understanding society by explaining sociological perspectives, theories and concepts
- Explaining the sociological significance of relationships among individuals, groups and institutions in a changing social world
- Sociologically-relevant research and evidence for aspects of culture and identity
- Using sociological theories to analyse and explain human social behaviour
☑️ Social Issues 3 topics
- Explaining the sociological significance of relationships among individuals, groups and institutions in a changing social world
- Sociological research related to social mobility
- Using sociological theories to analyse and explain human social behaviour
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Higher Sociology SQA - Human Society - Common-sense and sociological approaches and the differences between them Content Preview
Human Society
Common-sense and sociological approaches and the differences between them
Common-Sense Approaches to Society
- Common-sense knowledge is often based on personal experiences, judgements and assumptions.
- It tends to be subjective, as it is heavily influenced by personal biases.
- This approach refers to the knowledge someone has of the world that's developed from daily life, without formal study or examination.
- It rarely questions the fundamental aspects of social life and assumes that things are the way they are due to natural or logical reasons.
- Common-sense knowledge generally lacks a theoretical framework, being driven by practical considerations rather than by systematic study.
- It does not recognise its own limitations and lacks reflexivity.
Sociological Approaches to Society
- The sociological approach is about using specific methods and theories to study the social world.
- This approach emphasises on research and testing hypothesis rather than just relying on conventional wisdom or common-sense knowledge.
- Unlike common-sense, sociological approach is systematic and empirical; it relies on measurable and verifiable evidence.
- It provides a framework in which the social world can be examined at different levels of abstraction and from varying perspectives.
- This approach recognises that individual behaviour is influenced by larger social forces and structures, not just personal traits or motivations.
- The sociological approach is reflexive: It acknowledges its own biases and limitations, striving for objectivity.
Differences Between Them
- Common-sense knowledge is based on personal experience while sociological knowledge is based on scientific methods of data collection and analysis.
- Sociological approaches are systematic and empirical, while common-sense approaches tend to be anecdotal and lack systematic investigation.
- Unlike common-sense, sociological knowledge is theory-driven, meaning it is based on established scientific theories.
- Common-sense approaches often do not question their own premises, while sociological approaches constantly reconsider their assumptions and methods in the light of new evidence.
- Sociological approach understands individual behaviour in the context of broader social structures, while common-sense tends to attribute behaviour to individual traits or motivations.
Question: Explain, in one sentence, one key difference between a common-sense approach and a sociological approach to understanding why crime occurs.
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