Sociology AS/A2 at High Storrs
School
Sociology is the study of human
social behaviour.
The sociologist is interested in all social
behaviour – work, leisure, education,
family life, politics, religion, crime and
deviance etc
Sociologists are interested in WHAT
behaviour there is, and WHY it is
happening.
Example…
Crime and deviance:
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What types of crime are happening in the UK?
Are some crimes on the increase?
Do some crimes occur in certain cities, or parts of cities?
Who are the criminals?
 Why are certain crimes rising or falling?
 Why do people commit crime – is it linked to their age,
culture, gender?
 Is it because of a feeling of relative deprivation?
Example 2
Why are there fewer women in prison?
Is it because….
1. Judges are too kind
2. Women commit less crime
3. Women are socialised with dolls and boys with
guns
4. Women have too many responsibilities to risk
getting caught
Theories:
Smart (1977)
Pollack (1950)
Concepts:
Box (1981)
Chivalry Thesis
Gender and Crime
Gender Socialisation
Sentencing Policy
Analyse:
Criticisms
Compare
This information produced from research can be
used to inform decision-making in central and
local government. This may lead, for
example, to new policies on how to deal with
crime.
Specification: AQA 1191 / 2191
• AS Module 1 (1 hour written exam)*
Families & Households;
• AS Module 2 (2 hour written exam)
Education; Sociological Methods
A2
• A2 Module 3 (1 hour 30 mins written exam)
Beliefs in Society;
• A2 Module 4 (2 hour written exam)
Crime & Deviance; Theory & Methods
How is it assessed?
AS: Unit 1 – 1 hour exam (20% of A2)
AS: Unit 2 – 2 hour exam (30% of A2)
A2: Unit 3 – 1 hour 30 mins exam (20% of A2)
A3: Unit 4 – 2 hour exam (30% of A2)
No coursework!
What careers can Sociology lead to?
Journalism, politics, local and central
government, management, law, social
work, police, teaching and lecturing, social
research, couselling and other
professional occupations.