Why study Sociology?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines Sociology as 'the study of social organisation and institutions and of collective behaviour and interaction, including the individual's relationship to the group'. This is a broad, yet useful definition which encompasses almost every situation in which individuals or groups can influence each other. To place this in some sort of context we are all usually members of families and attend schools. Each family and school will have general characteristics and yet be unique at the same time. Sociologists are interested in the effect which the social institution of family unit or school has upon the individual and in particular how culture and behaviour and norms and values are developed. It would be a mistake to believe that an individual's attitudes, values and life chances are solely due to one's family or school but it may influence, for example, whether an individual or groups of individuals are more likely display deviant behaviour. Two sociological criminologists (Sutherland and Cressey) have described criminology as 'the body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. It includes within its scope the process of making laws, of breaking laws, and of reacting towards the breaking of laws'.
Sociology A level allows students to investigate and critically analyse the social world. Those who have studied Sociology are to be found in a range of occupations, such as the caring professions, education, the civil service, the media, the police, the probation service and other agencies associated with the criminal justice system.
To read a course outline for AS and A Level Sociology please click the link on the right.
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Law, Politics and Sociology