iGCSE Sociology CAIE

This subject is broken down into 17 topics in 7 modules:

  1. Theory and Methods 3 topics
  2. Culture, Identity and Socialisation 2 topics
  3. Social Inequality 2 topics
  4. Family 3 topics
  5. Education 2 topics
  6. Crime, Deviance and Social Control 3 topics
  7. Media 2 topics
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  • 7
    modules
  • 17
    topics
  • 5,825
    words of revision content
  • 45+
    minutes of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Sociology

Theory and Methods

How do different sociologists interpret society?

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How do different sociologists interpret society?

Interpretations of Society by Different Sociologists

Functionalism

  • Functionalism is a perspective that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.
  • Key figures include Emile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons.
  • According to Functionalists, each part of society has a function and contributes to society's running as a whole, this includes family, education, and religion.
  • They believe society has shared values which are passed on through social institutions that help to maintain order and consensus.

Marxism

  • Marxism is a theory developed by Karl Marx that explains society, economics and politics by examining the struggles between different social classes.
  • Marxists see society as divided into two main classes - the bourgeoisie (capitalists or ruling class) and the proletariat (workers).
  • They believe that capitalism leads to class conflict, as the bourgeoisies exploit the proletariat to maintain their wealth and power.
  • Approaches society with a conflict perspective, stating that societal change happens due to conflict over material resources.

Interactionism

  • Interactionists study the micro, or individual level of society.
  • Main figures include George Herbert Mead and Erving Goffman.
  • They believe that society is made up of interactions between individuals and groups, and it's through these interactions that individuals create meaning, define reality, and form their identities.
  • Interactionists analyse everyday, face-to-face interaction between individuals to understand society.

Feminism

  • Feminism focuses on understanding the social, political, and economic inequality between sexes.
  • Key figures include Betty Friedan and Simone de Beauvoir.
  • Feminists argue that society is dominated by men, a state referred to as patriarchy. They seek to challenge this system and advocate for change towards gender equality.
  • The way gender shapes our experiences and interactions is a key area of study.

Postmodernism

  • Postmodernists argue that the nature of society has fundamentally changed due to the rise of technology, media and consumer culture.
  • Key figures include Jean Baudrillard and Fredric Jameson.
  • They argue that there is no longer a single shared reality, but multiple ‘mini-narratives’ reflecting individual experiences.
  • The concept of identity also becomes fluid and changeable in a postmodern society.

Course material for Sociology, module Theory and Methods, topic How do different sociologists interpret society?

Sociology

Family

What are the changes affecting the family?

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What are the changes affecting the family?

Changes in Social Attitudes

  • One of the primary changes in families is due to evolving social attitudes.
  • Society's viewpoints on marriage, divorce, cohabitation and homosexuality have greatly shifted.
  • There is now more acceptance of same-sex marriages, cohabitation outside of marriage, and blended families in many societies.

Technological Advancements

  • Advancements in technology and communication devices have increased interconnectedness and changed family dynamics.
  • Technology has made long-distance communication and connection easier, modifying the relationship between nuclear and extended family members.
  • Assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, have changed the way families can be formed, allowing single individuals or same-sex couples to have children.

Increasing Rate of Divorce

  • A dramatic rise in the divorce rates has led to an increase in single-parent families and step-families.
  • This change has created new family dynamics and roles, such as the role of a step-parent.

Changing Gender Roles

  • Changes in gender roles have transformed the structure and operation of families.
  • As more women join the workforce, men are increasingly involved in household chores and child-rearing.

Economic Factors

  • Economic factors, such as the rise in the cost of living and the influence of consumer society, have influenced family roles.
  • Economic constraints may necessitate both parents working, leading to increased reliance on child-care services.

Migration

  • Increased globalisation and migration have also affected family forms.
  • Families might be split between countries or contain members of various nationalities, leading to a range of cross-cultural influences.

Remember to utilise sociological theories, such as feminism, functionalism, Marxism and postmodernism, to analyse these changes and provide a comprehensive understanding of their impacts.

Course material for Sociology, module Family, topic What are the changes affecting the family?

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