A Level

Item C
Investigating the reasons for subject choices made by pupils
As well as compulsory subjects at school, pupils can often choose optional ones. Pupils may choose different subjects for a variety of reasons. They may have a personal interest or talent in a subject or act on the basis of advice given by parents, professionals working within schools or others. However, there are patterns in subject choices linked to class, gender and ethnicity which could result from factors external to schools.
One way of studying differences in the subject choices made by pupils is to use group interviews. This type of interview can encourage deeper thought as participants can develop ideas put forward by other group members. However, participants may be influenced by peer pressure.
Furthermore, some pupils, teachers and parents may find it difficult to find a time to meet as a group.Applying material from Item C and your knowledge of research methods, evaluate the strengths and limitations of using group interviews to investigate the reasons for subject choices made by pupils.

A Level

Using one example, briefly explain one problem of using a relative definition of poverty.

A Level

Some sociologists suggest poverty exists because of structural factors. This means the organisation of society creates inequality. For example, Marxist sociologists argue that governments often operate in the interests of the wealthy by protecting private property and failing to provide support to those living in poverty.
Other sociologists suggest that it is the attitudes and behaviour of individuals that lead to poverty.Applying material from Item H and your knowledge, evaluate the view that poverty is caused by structural factors.

A Level

Item A
Teachers may label and treat some groups of pupils differently from others. Schools and staff will have views about appropriate pupil behaviour and attitudes to school.
Relationships and processes within schools may lead to anti-school subcultures.Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which relationships and processes within schools may lead to anti-school subcultures.

GCSE

Describe one example of cultural capital.

A Level

Outline and explain two ways in which globalisation has affected the extent of poverty in the UK today.

A Level

16 Outline and explain two ways in which gender inequalities in developing countries may be influenced by non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

A Level

Explain how representations of ethnicity in the media are changing.

A Level

With reference to the source, identify and briefly explain two examples of informal social control.

A Level

Outline and explain two ways in which development can lead to demographic changes.

A Level

04 Outline and explain two ways in which the functions of the family may have been affected by changes to its structure.

A Level

Social action theorists take a micro-level approach in focusing on an individual's free will and choice of behaviour. These theorists believe it is important to examine how people interact with others and seek to understand the meanings behind why people behave as they do.
However, structural theorists are critical of social action theories. They argue that sociologists should examine the structural power differences between groups and individuals, which control people's behaviour.Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the usefulness of social action theories in explaining human behaviour.

A Level

J
Secularisation is the declining importance of religion. Some sociologists argue that within the UK, religious beliefs and organisations are losing significance. Fewer people are attending churches than ever before and there are smaller numbers of religious ceremonies such as weddings.
However, others argue that religion is not losing importance. This only appears to be the case because the way people interact with religion is changing over time.15 Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the UK is becoming increasingly secular.

A Level

Outline and explain two ways in which migration may affect household structures in the UK.

A Level

There are differences between social classes in levels of deprivation and access to resources.
There are also higher recorded levels of violence committed by people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
There are reasons for social class differences in becoming a victim of crime.Applying material from Item A, analyse two reasons for social class differences in becoming a victim of crime.