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Amy Wan
17/10/2025
Sociology
Sociology Paper 1 Key Thinkers
1,287
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17 Oct 2025
•
Key Sociologists in Sociology Paper 1 for Families - GCSE, AQA, 2020, 2021
Amy Wan
@amymel0n
Key Sociologists on Education
This page outlines major sociological perspectives on education, including Marxist, functionalist, and interactionist approaches.
Ball, Bowe, and Gerwirtz These researchers studied the impact of market forces and parental choice in education. They found that many students were allocated based on social class rather than academic potential, challenging the idea of educational meritocracy.
Vocabulary: Educational meritocracy refers to a system where academic success is based solely on individual merit and effort.
Bowles and Gintis (Marxist Perspective) They argue that education in capitalist systems primarily serves to reproduce labor power. They reject the functionalist view that education provides equal opportunities, asserting that class background is the most important factor influencing educational attainment.
Highlight: Bowles and Gintis emphasize how education perpetuates existing class inequalities rather than promoting social mobility.
Parsons (Functionalist Perspective) Parsons views education as the main agency of socialization, preparing children for adult life. He argues that schools teach important values and skills necessary for future roles in society.
Durkheim (Functionalist Perspective) Durkheim emphasizes education's role in uniting individuals and promoting adherence to society's norms and values. He argues that school teaches children to cooperate with others and learn self-discipline through rules and structure.
Example: School rules and expectations help children internalize societal norms and develop self-control, according to Durkheim.
Becker (Interactionist Perspective) Becker developed labeling theory, which examines how teachers apply labels to students based on perceived ability and behavior. These labels, whether positive or negative, can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies.
Definition: A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when expectations about a student's performance influence their actual outcomes.
Paul Willis (Marxist Perspective) Willis conducted a study of working-class boys in a Midland school, revealing the existence of an anti-school subculture. He found that these students:
- Rejected the idea of social control through education
- Lacked respect for authority
- Challenged school norms and expectations
Highlight: Willis's work demonstrates how some working-class students actively resist the educational system, potentially reinforcing their class position.
Key Sociologists on Families
This page summarizes major sociological perspectives on family structures and dynamics, focusing on feminist, functionalist, and Marxist approaches.
Delphy and Leonard (Feminist Perspective) These theorists argue that men benefit most from exploiting women's labor in the home. Even when women work outside the home, they are still expected to handle domestic chores, creating an unequal division of labor that advantages men.
Highlight: The division of labor in families exploits women while benefiting men, according to this feminist view.
Rapaport and Rapaport (Family Diversity) They identify several factors influencing family diversity:
- Organizational: How domestic labor is divided
- Cultural: Values and beliefs
- Class differences
- Life course stages
- Historical context
Ann Oakley (Feminist Perspective) Oakley challenges conventional ideas about nuclear families and voluntary parenthood. She argues that traditional family stereotypes are increasingly seen as outdated, with some groups exploring alternative living arrangements.
Definition: Conventional family stereotypes refer to traditional notions of nuclear families with clearly defined gender roles.
Young and Willmott (Functionalist Perspective) These theorists propose the concept of the "symmetrical family" where gender roles are less segregated and more equal. They attribute the rise of symmetrical families to:
- Increased male wages
- Higher female employment rates
- Decreased unemployment
- Smaller family sizes
Vocabulary: A symmetrical family is one where domestic roles and responsibilities are more evenly shared between partners.
Talcott Parsons (Functionalist Perspective) Parsons emphasizes two key functions of the family:
- Primary socialization of children
- Stabilization of adult personalities
He also describes complementary parental roles:
- Instrumental role (typically father): Providing for the family
- Expressive role (typically mother): Nurturing and emotional support
Critique: Critics argue that Parsons ignores the "dark side" of family life, such as domestic violence or abuse.
Zaretsky (Marxist Perspective) Zaretsky argues that the family supports the capitalist economy in several ways:
- Relying on unpaid domestic labor (typically by women)
- Reproducing the next generation of workers
- Serving as a unit of consumption
Example: The housewife role, according to Zaretsky, provides crucial unpaid labor that indirectly supports the capitalist system.
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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
Key Sociologists in Sociology Paper 1 for Families - GCSE, AQA, 2020, 2021
Amy Wan
@amymel0n
Key sociologists in sociology paper 1 families and education: A comprehensive guide
This document provides an overview of key sociological perspectives on families and education, highlighting influential theorists and their main ideas. It covers feminist, functionalist, and Marxist views on... Show more
Key Sociologists on Education
This page outlines major sociological perspectives on education, including Marxist, functionalist, and interactionist approaches.
Ball, Bowe, and Gerwirtz These researchers studied the impact of market forces and parental choice in education. They found that many students were allocated based on social class rather than academic potential, challenging the idea of educational meritocracy.
Vocabulary: Educational meritocracy refers to a system where academic success is based solely on individual merit and effort.
Bowles and Gintis (Marxist Perspective) They argue that education in capitalist systems primarily serves to reproduce labor power. They reject the functionalist view that education provides equal opportunities, asserting that class background is the most important factor influencing educational attainment.
Highlight: Bowles and Gintis emphasize how education perpetuates existing class inequalities rather than promoting social mobility.
Parsons (Functionalist Perspective) Parsons views education as the main agency of socialization, preparing children for adult life. He argues that schools teach important values and skills necessary for future roles in society.
Durkheim (Functionalist Perspective) Durkheim emphasizes education's role in uniting individuals and promoting adherence to society's norms and values. He argues that school teaches children to cooperate with others and learn self-discipline through rules and structure.
Example: School rules and expectations help children internalize societal norms and develop self-control, according to Durkheim.
Becker (Interactionist Perspective) Becker developed labeling theory, which examines how teachers apply labels to students based on perceived ability and behavior. These labels, whether positive or negative, can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies.
Definition: A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when expectations about a student's performance influence their actual outcomes.
Paul Willis (Marxist Perspective) Willis conducted a study of working-class boys in a Midland school, revealing the existence of an anti-school subculture. He found that these students:
- Rejected the idea of social control through education
- Lacked respect for authority
- Challenged school norms and expectations
Highlight: Willis's work demonstrates how some working-class students actively resist the educational system, potentially reinforcing their class position.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Key Sociologists on Families
This page summarizes major sociological perspectives on family structures and dynamics, focusing on feminist, functionalist, and Marxist approaches.
Delphy and Leonard (Feminist Perspective) These theorists argue that men benefit most from exploiting women's labor in the home. Even when women work outside the home, they are still expected to handle domestic chores, creating an unequal division of labor that advantages men.
Highlight: The division of labor in families exploits women while benefiting men, according to this feminist view.
Rapaport and Rapaport (Family Diversity) They identify several factors influencing family diversity:
- Organizational: How domestic labor is divided
- Cultural: Values and beliefs
- Class differences
- Life course stages
- Historical context
Ann Oakley (Feminist Perspective) Oakley challenges conventional ideas about nuclear families and voluntary parenthood. She argues that traditional family stereotypes are increasingly seen as outdated, with some groups exploring alternative living arrangements.
Definition: Conventional family stereotypes refer to traditional notions of nuclear families with clearly defined gender roles.
Young and Willmott (Functionalist Perspective) These theorists propose the concept of the "symmetrical family" where gender roles are less segregated and more equal. They attribute the rise of symmetrical families to:
- Increased male wages
- Higher female employment rates
- Decreased unemployment
- Smaller family sizes
Vocabulary: A symmetrical family is one where domestic roles and responsibilities are more evenly shared between partners.
Talcott Parsons (Functionalist Perspective) Parsons emphasizes two key functions of the family:
- Primary socialization of children
- Stabilization of adult personalities
He also describes complementary parental roles:
- Instrumental role (typically father): Providing for the family
- Expressive role (typically mother): Nurturing and emotional support
Critique: Critics argue that Parsons ignores the "dark side" of family life, such as domestic violence or abuse.
Zaretsky (Marxist Perspective) Zaretsky argues that the family supports the capitalist economy in several ways:
- Relying on unpaid domestic labor (typically by women)
- Reproducing the next generation of workers
- Serving as a unit of consumption
Example: The housewife role, according to Zaretsky, provides crucial unpaid labor that indirectly supports the capitalist system.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
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.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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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