Sociology 9699 Notes -

Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology (9699) explores the complex relationship between individuals and society, moving from the foundational concepts of identity to global issues like inequality and secularization. The syllabus is built on two primary pillars: mastering systematic sociological theory (like Functionalism, Marxism, and Feminism) and applying rigorous research methods to analyze social phenomena. Core AS Level Focus (Paper 1 & 2) A-Level Sociology 9699 Syllabus Overview | PDF - Scribd

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7. Sample 500‑word essay plan (topic: "Does education reproduce social inequality?")

• Introduction (thesis, definitions) — 60 words.
• Theoretical frameworks — 120 words:
  • Functionalist view (meritocracy) vs. conflict view (reproduction).
• Empirical mechanisms — 140 words:
  • Cultural capital, tracking, differential funding, teacher expectations.
• Evidence and critiques — 120 words:
  • Studies showing correlation, counterexamples (policies reducing gaps), methodological limits.
• Conclusion — 60 words:
  • Balanced judgement + policy implications (funding equity, early intervention).

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C. Divorce and Marriage Trends

• Divorce: Increasing due to: changes in law (easier), declining stigma, secularization, rising expectations of marriage.
• Cohabitation: Living together without marriage (increasing).
• Same-sex relationships: Legal in many places; changing family structures.

2. Key concepts (quick reference)

• Social structure, agency vs. structure
• Socialization (primary/secondary), agents of socialization
• Status (achieved/ascribed), roles, role conflict/strain
• Institutions (family, education, religion, economy, polity)
• Culture: norms, values, beliefs, subculture, cultural capital
• Stratification: class, caste, meritocracy, social mobility
• Race, ethnicity, nationality; policies of assimilation vs. multiculturalism
• Deviance and social control: theories (strain, labeling, control)
• Social change: modernization, globalization, collective action
• Organizations: bureaucracy, rationalization, network theory
• Research methods: positivist vs. interpretivist, quantitative vs. qualitative

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5. Important Studies & Authors (high-yield)

• Emile Durkheim — Suicide (social integration/regulation)
• Karl Marx — Class conflict, historical materialism
• Max Weber — Social action, bureaucracy, authority types
• Erving Goffman — Presentation of Self, stigma
• Pierre Bourdieu — Habitus, cultural capital
• Patricia Hill Collins / Kimberlé Crenshaw — Intersectionality
• Howard Becker — Outsiders (labeling)
• Michel Foucault — Power/knowledge, disciplinary institutions

A. Functionalism (Consensus Theory)

• Key Idea: Society is like a biological organism; all parts work together for stability.
• Key Concepts:
  • Consensus: Shared norms and values.
  • Socialization: Learning society's rules.
  • Social Control: Mechanisms to ensure conformity.
  • Functional Prerequisites: Things society needs to survive (e.g., food, shelter, socialization).
• Key Sociologists:
  • Durkheim: Study of suicide (integration/regulation); education teaches specialist skills.
  • Parsons: The "sick role"; instrumental vs. expressive roles in the family.
  • Merton: Strain Theory (innovation, retreatism, rebellion).
• Evaluation: Ignores conflict; assumes everything in society serves a positive function.

1. The Role of Education

• Functionalist (Durkheim, Parsons):
  • Social Solidarity: Teaching shared values/beliefs (history, citizenship).
  • Skills: Teaching specialist skills for the economy.
  • Role Allocation: Meritocracy. Schools sift and sort students into roles based on ability.
• Marxist (Althusser, Bowles & Gintis):
  • Althusser: Education is an "Ideological State Apparatus" that passes on ruling-class values.
  • Bowles & Gintis: Correspondence Principle. Schools mirror the workplace (hierarchy, bells, fragmentation of knowledge) to produce obedient workers.
  • Hidden Curriculum: Lessons learned informally (punctuality, obedience, acceptance of hierarchy).
• New Right:
  • State education fails. Need marketization (competition between schools) to raise standards.