sociology exam paper education

AQA A-Level Sociology Past Papers

This section includes recent A-Level Sociology (7192) and AS-Level Sociology (7191) past papers from AQA. You can download each of the AQA A-Level Sociology past papers and marking schemes by clicking the links below.

June 2022 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers

A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Download Past Paper     -    Download Mark Scheme

A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Download Past Paper     -    Download Mark Scheme

A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Download Past Paper     -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2021 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers (Labelled as June 2021)

November 2021 A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2021 A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2021 A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2020 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers (Labelled as June 2020)

November 2020 A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2020 A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2020 A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2020 AQA AS-Level Sociology (7191) Past Papers (Labelled as June 2020)

November 2020 AS Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context (7191/1) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

November 2020 AS Paper 2: Research Methods and Topics in Sociology (7191/2) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2019 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers

June 2019 A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2019 A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2019 A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2019 AQA AS-Level Sociology (7191) Past Papers

June 2019 AS Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context (7191/1) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2019 AS Paper 2: Research Methods and Topics in Sociology (7191/2) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2018 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers

June 2018 A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2018 A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2018 A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2018 AQA AS-Level Sociology (7191) Past Papers

June 2018 AS Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context (7191/1) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2018 AS Paper 2: Research Methods and Topics in Sociology (7191/2) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2017 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers

A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

June 2017 AQA AS-Level Sociology (7191) Past Papers

AS Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context (7191/1) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

AS Paper 2: Research Methods and Topics in Sociology (7191/2) Download Past Paper    -    Download Mark Scheme

For more A-Level Sociology past papers from other exam boards  click here .

ReviseSociology

A level sociology revision – education, families, research methods, crime and deviance and more!

Exams, Essays and Short Answer Questions

Table of Contents

Last Updated on May 10, 2024 by Karl Thompson

This page provides the following information:

• An overview of the three exam papers for AQA A-level sociology (paper 1: education with theory, paper 2: topics, and paper 3: crime with theory)
• Links to posts offering specific advice on how to answer each of these papers, including the 2017 and 2018 sociology exams.
• Links to dozens of exemplar answers for the five different types of question you’ll find across the three sociology papers.

An Overview of the Three Sociology Exam Papers

There are three exam papers for AQA A-level sociology.  All papers are two hours long, all papers have a total of 6 questions (the format of some of these repeat across papers), and all papers are marked out of a total of 80.

• Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods – the education section has one 4 and one 6 mark ‘outline and explain question’, a 10 mark ‘item’ question and a 30 mark essay question. Then there is a 20 mark applying methods to education essay question, and a 10 mark (no item) theory or methods question.
• Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (the main options are families and beliefs). You answer one section from part A and one from part B, so two sections in total. All sections have three questions: one 10 mark (with item) question, one 10 mark (no item) question and one 20 mark essay question.
• Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods -the crime section has one 4 and one 6 mark ‘outline and explain question’, a 10 mark ‘item’ question and a 30 mark essay question. Then there is a and a 10 mark (no item) theory and/ or methods question, and finally a 20 mark theory and/ or methods essay question.

For more advice on each paper and examples of specific questions and answer, please scroll down! 

A Level Sociology Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods

This section provides links to specific questions and model answers which either have, or could appear on this paper. Please scroll down for papers 2 and 3!

General advice for answering questions on paper 1

• AQA Sociology Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
• The 2018 Education and Theory paper
• How I would have answered the 2017 Education and Theory and Methods paper

10 mark ‘applying material from the item analyse questions’

• Applying material from item A, analyse two ways in which the functions of education might reproduce class inequalities in society (10) –  available with the ‘ education revision bundle ‘
• Applying material from Item A, analyse two reasons why some pupils join pupil subcultures (10)
• Applying material from item A, analyse two reasons why marketization policies may have increased inequality of educational opportunities for some students (10)
• Applying material from item A, analyse two ways in which globalisation may have changed the way pupils experience education (10)
• Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which cultural capital might give some children an advantage in education (10) – available with the ‘ education revision bundle ‘
• Applying material from item A, analyse two reasons for gender differences in subject choice (10)
• Applying material from item A Analyse two ways in which processes within school might encourage students to adopt traditional gender identities (10) –  available with the ‘ education revision bundle ‘
• Applying material from Item A, analyse two effects of increased parental choice on pupils’ experience of education.

20 mark methods in context questions 

• Methods in Context – possible method and topic combinations (20) – there are lots! Any main method, and ANY topic within education, whether it’s explicitly in the spec or not!
• Research Methods in Context – essay template
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of using structured interviews to investigate the impact of family on students’ education (20) – a marked full mark answer from the AQA.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of using written questionnaires to investigate working-class educational underachievement (20) – an 18/20 answer from the AQA.

30 mark education essay questions 

• Evaluate the Marxist View of the Role of Education in Society (30)
• Evaluate the view that differences in educational achievement between social groups are the result of factors and processes within schools (30)
• Evaluate the extent to which it is home based factors, rather than in-school factors which explain social class differences in educational achievement (30)
• Assess the claim that ethnic differences within education are mainly a result of in school factors (30)
• Assess the view that in school processes, rather than external factors, are the most important in explaining differences in educational achievement (30) – available in the ‘education revision bundle .  
• Assess the view that educational policies since 1988 have improved equality of educational opportunity (30) – brief essay plan.
• Assess the view that educational policies since 1988 have raised standards in education (30) – available in the education revision bundle. 

10 mark theory and/ or methods outline and explain (no item) 10 mark questions

Remember that this type of question also appears at the end of paper 3!

• Outline and explain two practical problems which might affect social research (10)
• Outline and explain two reasons why positivists prefer to use quantitative research methods (10)
• Outline and explain two theoretical problems of using social surveys in social research (10)
• Outline and explain two practical advantages of using surveys in social research (10)
• Outline and explain two practical problems of using documents in social research (10)
• Outline and explain two ethical problems in social research (10) – available in the ‘theory and methods revision bundle’
• Outline and explain two practical advantages of using official statistics
• Outline and explain two reasons why Interpretivists prefer to use qualitative research methods (10)
• Outline and explain two ways researchers might overcome theoretical problems when conducting unstructured interviews (10) – available in the ‘theory and methods revision bundle’
• Outline and explain two theoretical problems of using official statistics (10) – available in the ‘theory and methods revision bundle’
• Outline and explain two theoretical problems of using documents (10) – available in the ‘theory and methods revision bundle’
• Outline and explain two advantages of choosing overt participant observation as a source of data compared with covert participant observation (10)

A Level Sociology Paper 2: Topics 

General advice on all questions 

• AQA Sociology Paper 2 – Topics in Sociology
• The 2018 Topics paper – families .
• How I would’ve answered the families and households section of A level sociology paper 2

Families and Households

Examples of possible 10 mark questions for AQA A-Level sociology: families and households topic

10 mark ‘outline and explain’ (no item) questions 

• Outline and explain two ways in which the family might be losing its functions (10)
• Outline and explain two social changes which may explain the decline in marriage in recent decades (10)
• Outline and explain two ways in which changes to gender roles have affected diversity of family structures (10)
• Outline and explain two ways in which changing gender roles within the family may have affected children’s experience of childhood (10)
• Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways in which an ageing population may affect family structures (10)
• Applying material from Item A, analyse two changes in the position of children in society over the last 100 years.
• Applying material from item C analyse two ways in which the nuclear family might perform ideological functions (10)
• Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways in which migration patterns have affected household structures in the United Kingdom (10)

20 mark essay questions 

• Evaluate the view that the main aim of the family is to meet the needs of capitalism (20)
• Assess the reasons for the long term increase in the divorce rate (20)
• Evaluate the personal life perspective on the family(20)

Beliefs in Society (aka Religion)

Outline and explain two ways in which religion might promote social change

Outline and explain two ways in which religious organisations have changed in response to globalisation

Outline and explain two reasons why some groups are more likely to join World Rejecting New Religious Movements than others (10)

Outline and explain two arguments against the view that sociology is a science (10)

Applying material from the item, analyse two reasons why younger people are generally less religious than older people (10)

Applying material from the item, analyse two criticisms of the view that religion is merely a tool of oppression (10)

Applying material from the item, analyse two reasons for gender differences in the membership of religious organisations (10)

Evaluate the view that extent of secularisation has been exaggerated (20)

Evaluate the view that religion no longer acts as a ‘shared universe of meaning’ for people today (20)

Evaluate the view that religious beliefs and organisations are barriers to social change (20)

Outline and explain two ways in which the new media may be creating a global popular culture. [10 marks]

Analyse two reasons why the media portray minority ethnic groups negatively. [10 marks]

Evaluate the pluralist view of the ownership and control of the media (20)

Evaluate the view that the media have a direct and immediate effect on their audiences [20 marks]

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the media portray women in a stereotypical way [20 marks]

Global Development

Outline and explain two criticisms other theories of development might make of dependency theory (10)

Outline and explain two reasons why trade does not always promote development (10)

Evaluate explanations of development and underdevelopment put forward by Dependency Theorists (20)

A Level Sociology Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

General advice on answering all questions.

• AQA Paper Sociology Paper 3 -Crime and Theory
• The 2018 Crime and Deviance paper
• The 2017 Crime and Deviance paper .

4 and 6 mark ‘outline and explain questions’

• Outline three functions crime may perform (6) – includes a marked exemplar demonstrating standards
• Outline three ways in which surveillance may be used to control crime in modern societies (6)
• Ethnicity and crime short answer questions
• Outline two differences for ethnic convictions in offending rates (4) – includes a marked exemplar demonstrating standards.
• Using material from item A, analyse two reasons for the formation of subcultures (10)
• Using material from item A, analyse two reason why situational crime prevention strategies may not be effective in reducing crime (10)
• Using material from item A, analyse two ways in which crime has changed in response to postmodern society (10)
• Analyse two ways in which deviant subcultures may respond to the difficulties of achieving mainstream goals (10)
• Analyse two reasons why men might commit more crime than women (10)

30 mark crime and deviance essays 

• Evaluate the Contribution of Consensus Theory to Our Understanding of Crime and Deviance (30)
• Assess sociological perspectives on prison as a form of punishment (30)
• Assess the Strengths of Using Participant Observation in Social Research (20)

AS level sociology resources 

There are two 90 minute papers at the end of the AS year, and three two hour papers at the end of the A Level Year. Remember that if you do the AS qualification, your grades don’t count towards the A level, you are reassessed in a slightly different format on all of the first year material, along with all of the second year material as part of the A level exams at the end of the two years of study. 

You might find my cheesy exam guide for the AS sociology exam useful….

Related Posts

Exam Papers for AS and A Level Sociology – this link just takes you to the AQA web site’s assessment page – you should definitely check out the exam papers, and practice them!

Assessment Objectives in AS and A Level Sociology  – It’s useful to know how the marks are distributed in the exam – there are complex question by question breakdowns on the specification, but to simplify it – Knowledge and Understanding (of concepts, theories, research) is worth about 50% of the marks in the exam, the other 50% are for Application, Analysis and Evaluation. 

Sociology Revision Resources for Sale

For more revision resources you might like my my A level sociology revision mega bundle – This has been designed to cover all three exam papers for the AQA A-level sociology specification and costs £19.99.

The bundle covers the following topics:

• For Paper 1 (SCLY2/1): Education, including Methods in Context and Theory and Methods
• For Paper 2 (SCLY2/2): Families and Households, Beliefs, and Media.
• For Paper 3 (SCL2/3): Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods.

Overall the bundle contains:

• over 200 pages of revision notes
• 60 mind maps in pdf and png formats
• 50 short answer exam practice questions and exemplar answers
• Covers the entire A-level sociology syllabus, AQA focus.

Sociology Teaching Resources for Sale

You might also be interested in my latest (November 2019) teaching resource pack which contains everything teachers need to deliver 10 hour long ‘introduction to sociology’ lessons.

Included in the bundle is a clearly structured 50 page gapped student work-pack, six PowerPoints* to structure the 10 lessons, 10 detailed lesson plans outlining a range of learning activities you can use with students, a massive list of relevant contemporary resources with links, and numerous lesson activities including introductions, plenaries and links to some Socrative quizzes.

These resources contain all the core sociology knowledge students need for a through introduction sociology, illustrated with numerous up to date contemporary case studies and statistics.

The resources have been designed for A-level sociology and cover the core themes on the AQA’s specification but are suitable for new 16-19 students studying any specification.

Please click here to return to the homepage – ReviseSociology.com

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AQA A-Level Sociology Papers

Welcome to our AQA A-Level Sociology Papers page. Here, you'll find everything you need to prepare for your AQA A-Level Sociology exams, including past papers, mark schemes, textbooks, and revision guides. Our expert guidance and resources will help you develop the critical thinking, research, and analysis skills needed to ace your exams. Start exploring our page today and take the first step towards success in your A-Level Sociology journey.

June 2022 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers

• 2022 | A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2022 | A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2022 | A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Question Paper Mark Scheme

November 2021 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers (Labelled as June 2021)

• 2021 | A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2021 | A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2021 | A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Question Paper Mark Scheme

November 2020 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers (Labelled as June 2020)

• 2020 | A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2020 | A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2020 | A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Question Paper Mark Scheme

November 2020 AQA AS-Level Sociology (7191) Past Papers (Labelled as June 2020)

• 2020 | AS Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context (7191/1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2020 | AS Paper 2: Research Methods and Topics in Sociology (7191/2) Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2019 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers

• 2019 | A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2019 | A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2018 | A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2019 AQA AS-Level Sociology (7191) Past Papers

• 2019 | AS Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context (7191/1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2019 | AS Paper 2: Research Methods and Topics in Sociology (7191/2) Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2018 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers

• 2018 | A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2018 | A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2018 AQA AS-Level Sociology (7191) Past Papers

• 2018 | AS Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context (7191/1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2018 | AS Paper 2: Research Methods and Topics in Sociology (7191/2) Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2017 AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) Past Papers

• 2017 | A-Level Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (7192/1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2017 | A-Level Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (7192/2) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2017 | A-Level Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (7192/3) Question Paper Mark Scheme

June 2017 AQA AS-Level Sociology (7191) Past Papers

• 2017 | AS Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context (7191/1) Question Paper Mark Scheme
• 2017 | AS Paper 2: Research Methods and Topics in Sociology (7191/2) Question Paper Mark Scheme

FREE A Level Sociology Study Buddy

• Revision tips and advice
• Covers EVERY exam board specification

1-to-1 lessons tailored to AQA A-Level Sociology Papers

→ what is aqa a-level sociology.

AQA A-Level Sociology is a qualification offered by AQA, one of the largest exam boards in the UK. It is a two-year course that covers a wide range of sociological theories and concepts, and helps students to develop critical thinking, research, and analysis skills.

→ What are the AQA A-Level Sociology papers?

The AQA A-Level Sociology papers consist of three exams: Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3. Paper 1 covers education, families, and research methods. Paper 2 covers crime and deviance, theory and methods. Paper 3 covers beliefs in society, globalisation and the media.

→ What is the format of the AQA A-Level Sociology papers?

Each paper is two hours long and consists of a mixture of short answer questions, extended writing, and essays. The papers are all worth 80 marks each and are worth 33.3% of the final A-Level grade.

→ How can I prepare for the AQA A-Level Sociology papers?

There are several ways to prepare for the AQA A-Level Sociology papers, including:

- Practice past papers and mark schemes to get used to the format and structure of the exams - Make sure you understand all the key concepts and theories covered in the course - Develop your critical thinking and analysis skills by reading widely and engaging with current events - Attend revision classes or seek support from a tutor if needed.

→ What resources are available to help me prepare for the AQA A-Level Sociology papers?

There are many resources available to help you prepare for the AQA A-Level Sociology papers, including textbooks, revision guides, and online resources. AQA also provides specimen papers and mark schemes on their website, which can be a useful tool for revision.

→ How are the AQA A-Level Sociology papers marked?

The AQA A-Level Sociology papers are marked using a combination of computer and human marking. The computer marks the objective questions, while the human markers mark the subjective questions, such as essays and extended writing. The marking is done using a detailed mark scheme to ensure consistency and fairness.

→ When are the AQA A-Level Sociology papers usually taken?

The AQA A-Level Sociology papers are usually taken in May or June, although there is also a resit option in November for students who wish to improve their grade.

→ What is the grading system for the AQA A-Level Sociology papers?

The AQA A-Level Sociology papers are graded on a scale from A* to E, with A* being the highest grade and E being the lowest passing grade. The final A-Level grade is based on the student's performance across all three papers.

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AS and A-level Sociology

• Specification
• Planning resources
• Teaching resources
• Assessment resources
• Introduction

Specification at a glance

• 3.1 Education with Methods in Context
• 3.2 Research Methods and Topics in Sociology

4.1 Education with Theory and Methods

4.2 Topics in Sociology

4.3 Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

• Scheme of assessment
• General administration

Subject content

Compulsory content

• 3.1.1 Education
• 3.1.2 Methods in Context
• 3.2.1 Research Methods

3.2.2 Topics in Sociology

• 3.2.2.1 Culture and Identity
• 3.2.2.2 Families and Households
• 3.2.2.3 Health
• 3.2.2.4 Work, Poverty and Welfare

Assessments

• 4.1.1 Education
• 4.1.2 Methods in Context
• 4.1.3 Theory and Methods
• 4.3.1 Crime and Deviance
• 4.3.2 Theory and Methods
• 4.2.1 Culture and Identity
• 4.2.2 Families and Households
• 4.2.3 Health
• 4.2.4 Work, Poverty and Welfare
• 4.2.5 Beliefs in Society
• 4.2.6 Global Development
• 4.2.7 The Media
• 4.2.8 Stratification and Differentiation

A-level Sociology (AQA) Revision Notes

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On This Page:

Revision guide for AQA A-Level (7192) and AS-Level Sociology (7191), including straightforward study notes, independent study booklets, and past paper questions and answers. Fully updated for the summer 2023 term.

Thanks to the Hectic Teacher for allowing us to link to these resources:

Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context

• Hectic Teacher
• Study Booklet Part 2
• Study Booklet Part 3
• Complete Revision Notes
• Short Questions and Answers
• the role and functions of the education system, including its relationship to the economy and to class structure
• differential educational achievement of social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity in contemporary society
• relationships and processes within schools, with particular reference to teacher/pupil relationships, pupil identities and subcultures, the hidden curriculum, and the organisation of teaching and learning
• the significance of educational policies, including policies of selection, marketisation and privatisation, and policies to achieve greater equality of opportunity or outcome, for an understanding of the structure, role, impact and experience of and access to education; the impact of globalisation on educational policy.

Methods in Context

• Students must be able to apply sociological research methods to the study of education.

Paper 2: Research Methods and Topics in Sociology

Research methods.

• Study Booklet Part 1

Learning Objectives

• quantitative and qualitative methods of research; research design
• sources of data, including questionnaires, interviews, participant and non-participant observation, experiments, documents and official statistics
• the distinction between primary and secondary data, and between quantitative and qualitative data
• the relationship between positivism, interpretivism and sociological methods; the nature of ‘social facts’
• the theoretical, practical and ethical considerations influencing choice of topic, choice of method(s) and the conduct of research

Topic 2: Families and Households

• the relationship of the family to the social structure and social change, with particular reference to the economy and to state policies
• changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce, childbearing and the life course, including the sociology of personal life, and the diversity of contemporary family and household structures
• gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships within the family in contemporary society
• the nature of childhood, and changes in the status of children in the family and society
• demographic trends in the United Kingdom since 1900: birth rates, death rates, family size, life expectancy, ageing population, and migration and globalisation

Topic 5: Beliefs in Society

• ideology, science and religion, including both Christian and non-Christian religious traditions
• the relationship between social change and social stability, and religious beliefs, practices and organisations
• religious organisations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New Age movements, and their relationship to religious and spiritual belief and practice
• the relationship between different social groups and religious/spiritual organisations and movements, beliefs and practices
• the significance of religion and religiosity in the contemporary world, including the nature and extent of secularisation in a global context, and globalisation and the spread of religions

Topic 6: Global Development

• Revision Notes
• Knowledge Organiser
• development, underdevelopment and global inequality
• globalisation and its influence on the cultural, political and economic relationships between societies
• the role of transnational corporations, non-governmental organisations and international agencies in local and global strategies for development
• development in relation to aid and trade, industrialisation, urbanisation, the environment, and war and conflict
• employment, education, health, demographic change and gender as aspects of development

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Crime and deviance.

• Study Booklet Part 4
• Example Essays
• crime, deviance, social order and social control
• the social distribution of crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class, including recent patterns and trends in crime
• globalisation and crime in contemporary society; the media and crime; green crime; human rights and state crimes
• crime control, surveillance, prevention and punishment, victims, and the role of the criminal justice system and other agencies

Theory and Methods

• Independent Study Booklet Part 1
• Independent Study Booklet Part 2
• Methods Flash Cards
• Theory Flash Cards
• consensus, conflict, structural and social action theories
• the concepts of modernity and post-modernity in relation to sociological theory
• the nature of science and the extent to which Sociology can be regarded as scientific
• the relationship between theory and methods
• debates about subjectivity, objectivity and val
• the relationship between Sociology and social policy

Download Past Paper Questions With Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ao3 in sociology a-level.

AO3 is an assessment objective for analysing and evaluating sociological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods in order to present arguments, make judgements and reach conclusions.

Examples of AO3 points include:

• Evaluate from other PERSPECTIVES – What would other perspectives say about the theory / concept? Is there a counter-argument?
• Evaluate – HISTORICAL CRITICISM – Is the theory/ concept dated? When was the concept developed? Is it still relevant today, or has society changed so much that it is no longer relevant? Has society changed in such a way that some aspects of the theory are now more relevant?
• Evalaute – POWER/ BIAS/ VALUE FREEDOM? Who developed the concept/ theory – whose interests does it serve? For example, “x” theor is ethnocentric because….

What is the fastest way to revise sociology?

There is no great mystery about how to study for sociology A-level. Many students, although they’re not naturally that ‘academic’ still score A and A* grades through sheer hard work, focus and determination.

Before you start you need to satisfy yourself that you have good syllabus notes to work from. Although most textbooks are fine in places they have a tendency to either not give enough detail on certain topics or give too much information (which can be just as bad).

As long as you have great syllabus notes and lots of past paper questions the rest is really up to you. If you want to score an A* or A grade you need to act like someone who’s going to score these grades.

You are competing against people who are going to put in a hell of a lot of hard work so you need to work as hard as or harder than them. And you need to think about what hard work really is.

What are the most effective ways of revising subject knowledge?

• Ask “How” and “Why” questions  when revising and try to connect ideas (this method is called “elaboration”)
• No cramming . Distribute your revision over time and use a spaced system of repetition
• Switch topics regularly  when revising (this is called “ interleaving ” and it will help you to identify connections between different topics)
• Words and visuals . Combine words and visual representations to create two ways of remembering key ideas (this is called “dual coding”)
• Teachers! Students! Please get in touch if you have any A-level sociology notes you would like to share. We would really like to cover all 8 topics for paper 2.
• Please contact us via email contact@simplypsychology,org .

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Programmes & Qualifications

Cambridge o level sociology (2251).

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This is only a selection of our papers. Registered Cambridge International Schools can access the full catalogue of teaching and learning materials including papers from 2018 through our School Support Hub .

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• -->2015 Paper 1 Specimen Paper Markscheme (PDF, 133KB)
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• -->2025 Specimen Paper 1 Markscheme (PDF, 1MB)
• -->2025 Specimen Paper 2 Markscheme (PDF, 1MB)

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