Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
Sociology
8 Dec 2025
327
5 pages
Liv @livsiphone
Sociology is essentially about understanding how society shapes who we are - from the way we behave to... Show more
Sociology studies society and human behaviour, focusing on how nurture rather than nature shapes us. Through socialisation, we learn social norms and values that guide our lives.
Culture encompasses everything we learn and share within society - languages, beliefs, knowledge, and importantly, norms and values. Norms are guidelines for appropriate behaviour, whilst values represent what society considers worthwhile and important.
Social control ensures people follow society's expectations through rewards and punishments. Negative sanctions like imprisonment punish unacceptable behaviour, whilst positive sanctions like praise encourage good behaviour. This system keeps society functioning smoothly.
Your identity forms through various characteristics - age, gender, ethnicity, religion - and how you see yourself in relation to others. A subculture exists when groups within society develop their own distinct norms that may challenge mainstream culture.
Quick Tip Think of culture as society's rulebook that we all learn to follow, with social control as the referee ensuring everyone plays by the rules.
Socialisation is how we become skilled members of society by learning our culture. This process varies across different time periods and cultures, happening through agencies like family, education, religion, and media.
Primary socialisation occurs in early childhood within the family. Children imitate parents and learn from reactions, forming their basic understanding of the world. Secondary socialisation happens outside the family through schools, media, peer groups, and workplaces.
Gender-role socialisation teaches us specific behaviours based on gender, often reinforced by media representations. Meanwhile, status refers to your social position - either ascribed (born with, like race) or achieved (earned through effort, like job titles).
Role conflict emerges when your multiple roles clash - imagine being a student with a part-time job when work demands interfere with studying. This tension between competing expectations is common in modern society.
Remember We all juggle multiple roles simultaneously, and conflicts between them are completely normal - you're not failing if you feel pulled in different directions.
Sociologists debate whether we're controlled by society or have free will. The structural view sees us as "puppets on a string" - passive victims of social forces with no real choice. The social action view argues we're active agents with free will and control over our behaviour.
Functionalism takes an optimistic, macro approach, viewing society as a well-functioning system where all institutions work together harmoniously. Using a biological analogy, functionalists compare society to a human body where every organ must function properly for survival.
Marxism offers a conflict perspective, focusing on class struggle between the bourgeoisie (ruling class owners) and proletariat (working class). Marxists believe capitalism creates exploitation through low wages and predict eventual revolution leading to communism.
Feminism examines gender-based conflict in patriarchal society. Liberal feminists seek gradual equality, Marxist feminists blame capitalism, whilst radical feminists advocate complete separation of sexes as the solution to male dominance.
Study Smart Remember the key difference - functionalists see harmony everywhere, whilst Marxists and feminists focus on conflict and inequality.
Karl Marx developed theories around capitalism - an economic system based on private ownership where the ruling class exploits workers. He proposed that the economic base determines society's superstructure (institutions, values, beliefs), ultimately leading to class revolution and communism.
The three main feminist approaches tackle gender inequality differently. Liberal feminism seeks gradual change through education and law reform. Marxist feminism blames capitalism for women's oppression. Radical feminism views patriarchy as so embedded that complete separation from men becomes necessary.
Interactionism shifts focus to micro-level interactions, examining how people are labelled and categorised. This perspective emphasises face-to-face encounters rather than broad social structures, offering a more personal view of social behaviour.
Unlike structural theories that generalise about entire societies, interactionism recognises individual agency and the power of small-scale social interactions to shape meaning and identity.
Key Insight While structural theories paint broad pictures of society, interactionism zooms in on the personal interactions that actually shape your daily experiences.
Labelling theory, developed by Max Weber, explains how society's labels affect our behaviour through the self-fulfilling prophecy. When others label you in certain ways, you may unconsciously live up to those expectations, shaping your self-concept and identity formation.
Modernity emerged during the 17th-18th centuries, emphasising progress through industrialisation, democracy, and scientific enlightenment. Traditional sociological theories like Marxism, functionalism, and feminism developed during this period to explain modern society's structures.
Postmodernism represents society's rapid transformation, particularly with internet emergence, creating chaos and uncertainty. Unlike modernity's fixed structures, postmodern society offers pick-and-mix identities where individuals can choose from various lifestyle options.
In postmodern society, identity becomes fluid rather than fixed. You're no longer trapped by traditional categories but can actively construct your identity from diverse cultural influences and choices available in our interconnected world.
Think About It Consider how social media allows you to present different versions of yourself - this flexibility perfectly illustrates postmodern identity construction.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
7
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Liv
@livsiphone
Sociology is essentially about understanding how society shapes who we are - from the way we behave to the values we hold. Rather than being born with fixed personalities, sociologists argue that we're products of our social environment, learning everything... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sociology studies society and human behaviour, focusing on how nurture rather than nature shapes us. Through socialisation, we learn social norms and values that guide our lives.
Culture encompasses everything we learn and share within society - languages, beliefs, knowledge, and importantly, norms and values. Norms are guidelines for appropriate behaviour, whilst values represent what society considers worthwhile and important.
Social control ensures people follow society's expectations through rewards and punishments. Negative sanctions like imprisonment punish unacceptable behaviour, whilst positive sanctions like praise encourage good behaviour. This system keeps society functioning smoothly.
Your identity forms through various characteristics - age, gender, ethnicity, religion - and how you see yourself in relation to others. A subculture exists when groups within society develop their own distinct norms that may challenge mainstream culture.
Quick Tip: Think of culture as society's rulebook that we all learn to follow, with social control as the referee ensuring everyone plays by the rules.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Socialisation is how we become skilled members of society by learning our culture. This process varies across different time periods and cultures, happening through agencies like family, education, religion, and media.
Primary socialisation occurs in early childhood within the family. Children imitate parents and learn from reactions, forming their basic understanding of the world. Secondary socialisation happens outside the family through schools, media, peer groups, and workplaces.
Gender-role socialisation teaches us specific behaviours based on gender, often reinforced by media representations. Meanwhile, status refers to your social position - either ascribed (born with, like race) or achieved (earned through effort, like job titles).
Role conflict emerges when your multiple roles clash - imagine being a student with a part-time job when work demands interfere with studying. This tension between competing expectations is common in modern society.
Remember: We all juggle multiple roles simultaneously, and conflicts between them are completely normal - you're not failing if you feel pulled in different directions.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sociologists debate whether we're controlled by society or have free will. The structural view sees us as "puppets on a string" - passive victims of social forces with no real choice. The social action view argues we're active agents with free will and control over our behaviour.
Functionalism takes an optimistic, macro approach, viewing society as a well-functioning system where all institutions work together harmoniously. Using a biological analogy, functionalists compare society to a human body where every organ must function properly for survival.
Marxism offers a conflict perspective, focusing on class struggle between the bourgeoisie (ruling class owners) and proletariat (working class). Marxists believe capitalism creates exploitation through low wages and predict eventual revolution leading to communism.
Feminism examines gender-based conflict in patriarchal society. Liberal feminists seek gradual equality, Marxist feminists blame capitalism, whilst radical feminists advocate complete separation of sexes as the solution to male dominance.
Study Smart: Remember the key difference - functionalists see harmony everywhere, whilst Marxists and feminists focus on conflict and inequality.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Karl Marx developed theories around capitalism - an economic system based on private ownership where the ruling class exploits workers. He proposed that the economic base determines society's superstructure (institutions, values, beliefs), ultimately leading to class revolution and communism.
The three main feminist approaches tackle gender inequality differently. Liberal feminism seeks gradual change through education and law reform. Marxist feminism blames capitalism for women's oppression. Radical feminism views patriarchy as so embedded that complete separation from men becomes necessary.
Interactionism shifts focus to micro-level interactions, examining how people are labelled and categorised. This perspective emphasises face-to-face encounters rather than broad social structures, offering a more personal view of social behaviour.
Unlike structural theories that generalise about entire societies, interactionism recognises individual agency and the power of small-scale social interactions to shape meaning and identity.
Key Insight: While structural theories paint broad pictures of society, interactionism zooms in on the personal interactions that actually shape your daily experiences.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Labelling theory, developed by Max Weber, explains how society's labels affect our behaviour through the self-fulfilling prophecy. When others label you in certain ways, you may unconsciously live up to those expectations, shaping your self-concept and identity formation.
Modernity emerged during the 17th-18th centuries, emphasising progress through industrialisation, democracy, and scientific enlightenment. Traditional sociological theories like Marxism, functionalism, and feminism developed during this period to explain modern society's structures.
Postmodernism represents society's rapid transformation, particularly with internet emergence, creating chaos and uncertainty. Unlike modernity's fixed structures, postmodern society offers pick-and-mix identities where individuals can choose from various lifestyle options.
In postmodern society, identity becomes fluid rather than fixed. You're no longer trapped by traditional categories but can actively construct your identity from diverse cultural influences and choices available in our interconnected world.
Think About It: Consider how social media allows you to present different versions of yourself - this flexibility perfectly illustrates postmodern identity construction.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
7
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Psychology