IGCSE Sociology

Summary of course content

What is the relationship between the individual and society? The main purpose of this course is to offer you a greater understanding of human societies and the role of forces such as continuity and change in social life. Throughout sociological theories, this course will develop your analytical thinking and form abilities that help you understand social contexts. Find out more about how social conditions influence our life choices and how to cross cultural barriers to understand better how we have become who we are.

The Cambridge Sociology syllabus is made up of seven units of study which explore the nature of social relationships, processes and structures.

• Unit 1: Theory and Methods
• Unit 2: Culture, identity and socialisation
• Unit 3: Social inequality
• Unit 4: Family
• Unit 5: Education
• Unit 6: Crime, deviance and social control
• Unit 7: Media

The educational aims of Cambridge IGCSE Sociology are to:

• promote candidates’ awareness, knowledge and understanding of human societies
• develop candidates’ understanding of sociological methods, including the collection, analysis and interpretation of data
• provide an introduction to sociological concepts, theories and research findings
• stimulate awareness of the range and limitations of sociological theory and research
• promote candidates’ understanding of continuity and change in social life
• encourage a critical awareness of social, economic and political processes and their effects
• develop the capacity for critical evaluation of different forms of information and evidence
• promote an appreciation and understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity
• enhance candidates’ ability to apply sociological knowledge and understanding to their own lives and their participation within society.