Ever wonder why different people see the world so differently?...
Sociology152 views·Updated Jun 24, 2026·4 pagesSociology A Level Year 12 Guide
renny@serenityrodrigueshills_pnlf
1 / 4
1
of 4
What Is Sociology?
You're already a sociologist without knowing it! Every time you notice how your mates behave differently in different groups, you're thinking sociologically. Sociology is essentially the study of how people influence each other's behaviour when they're part of groups.
Think about it - you probably act differently with your family than with your friends, right? That's because society (all the people living together in your community) has different rules and expectations for different situations. Sociologists call these norms and values.
The brilliant thing about sociology is that it's not about judging people - it's about understanding why societies work the way they do. Every society is different, and each one gives its members a unique way of looking at the world.
Quick Tip: Remember that sociology focuses on group behaviour, not individual psychology. It's all about the bigger picture!
2
of 4
Understanding Different Perspectives
Your age, upbringing, and social class all act like different coloured glasses - they change how you see the world. That's why your gran might have completely different views about social media than you do!
Socialisation is the process where society teaches you its rules. Your family, school, and friends are all constantly shaping your perspective without you realising it. It's not brainwashing - it's just how humans learn to fit into their communities.
Sociology helps us understand these different viewpoints rather than dismissing them. When you understand why people think differently, you become better at navigating the complex world around you.
Remember: Understanding different perspectives doesn't mean agreeing with them - it means recognising why they exist.
3
of 4
Functionalism vs Marxism
Functionalism is like believing society is a well-oiled machine where everyone has their role. Founded by Émile Durkheim in 1893, this consensus theory argues that society is basically good for its members. As long as everyone follows the rules and social institutions (like schools, government, and families) work together, everything runs smoothly.
Marxism tells a completely different story. This conflict theory, created by Karl Marx in 1848, sees society as fundamentally unfair. Marx argued that there's always tension between the bourgeoisie (the wealthy) and the proletariat (the working class).
Marxists believe that capitalism creates inequality - the rich get richer whilst the poor get poorer. They dream of communism, where wealth would be shared equally among everyone.
Key Point: Functionalism sees cooperation; Marxism sees conflict. Both perspectives help explain different aspects of how society works.
4
of 4
Feminism and Conflict Theories
Feminism joined the sociology party much later, with Ann Oakley's influential work in 1984. Like Marxism, feminism is a conflict theory that focuses on inequality - but this time, it's about gender inequality rather than class.
Feminists argue that we live in a patriarchal society where men hold most of the power. This creates disadvantages for women in everything from career opportunities to how they're treated in relationships.
There are different approaches to achieving equality: radical feminists (like the Suffragettes) sometimes used dramatic action, whilst liberal feminists prefer working within the system to change laws gradually.
Think About It: Conflict theories like Marxism and feminism share a belief that inequality exists because one group benefits from keeping another group down.
We thought you’d never ask...
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Sociology152 views·Updated Jun 24, 2026·4 pagesSociology A Level Year 12 Guide
renny@serenityrodrigueshills_pnlf
Ever wonder why different people see the world so differently? Welcome to sociology - the fascinating study of how society shapes our behaviour and why groups of people act the way they do.
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What Is Sociology?
You're already a sociologist without knowing it! Every time you notice how your mates behave differently in different groups, you're thinking sociologically. Sociology is essentially the study of how people influence each other's behaviour when they're part of groups.
Think about it - you probably act differently with your family than with your friends, right? That's because society (all the people living together in your community) has different rules and expectations for different situations. Sociologists call these norms and values.
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Quick Tip: Remember that sociology focuses on group behaviour, not individual psychology. It's all about the bigger picture!
2
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Understanding Different Perspectives
Your age, upbringing, and social class all act like different coloured glasses - they change how you see the world. That's why your gran might have completely different views about social media than you do!
Socialisation is the process where society teaches you its rules. Your family, school, and friends are all constantly shaping your perspective without you realising it. It's not brainwashing - it's just how humans learn to fit into their communities.
Sociology helps us understand these different viewpoints rather than dismissing them. When you understand why people think differently, you become better at navigating the complex world around you.
Remember: Understanding different perspectives doesn't mean agreeing with them - it means recognising why they exist.
3
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Functionalism vs Marxism
Functionalism is like believing society is a well-oiled machine where everyone has their role. Founded by Émile Durkheim in 1893, this consensus theory argues that society is basically good for its members. As long as everyone follows the rules and social institutions (like schools, government, and families) work together, everything runs smoothly.
Marxism tells a completely different story. This conflict theory, created by Karl Marx in 1848, sees society as fundamentally unfair. Marx argued that there's always tension between the bourgeoisie (the wealthy) and the proletariat (the working class).
Marxists believe that capitalism creates inequality - the rich get richer whilst the poor get poorer. They dream of communism, where wealth would be shared equally among everyone.
Key Point: Functionalism sees cooperation; Marxism sees conflict. Both perspectives help explain different aspects of how society works.
4
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
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Feminism and Conflict Theories
Feminism joined the sociology party much later, with Ann Oakley's influential work in 1984. Like Marxism, feminism is a conflict theory that focuses on inequality - but this time, it's about gender inequality rather than class.
Feminists argue that we live in a patriarchal society where men hold most of the power. This creates disadvantages for women in everything from career opportunities to how they're treated in relationships.
There are different approaches to achieving equality: radical feminists (like the Suffragettes) sometimes used dramatic action, whilst liberal feminists prefer working within the system to change laws gradually.
Think About It: Conflict theories like Marxism and feminism share a belief that inequality exists because one group benefits from keeping another group down.
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