In an attempt to understand the relationship between larger institutions and people, sociology is studied. This field is commonly focused on small-scale issues as well as large-scale relationships. This subject can include various areas such as religion and families.
Studies in small sociology can look into individual matters, such as romantic relationships and how ageing impacts society. It can also explore the causes of poverty and wealth, education, race, and gender identities. In addition to being able to analyse relationships, preparation for sociology involves tackling other subjects as well.
Sociology is a popular subject globally, with students always looking for teachers and resources that can help them get perfect grades in this course. Cambridge Home School Online hosts four programs for students in Asia, Europe, and Africa; Primary Prep, Lower School, Upper School, and Sixth Form.
Cambridge Home School Online’s Upper School provides various resources and tools to help students ace this subject at the IGCSE level. Here are some things you must know to prepare for your upcoming examinations.
Taking Notes In Class
Keeping track of all the details in a class is crucial for taking notes in IGCSE Sociology. This subject often discusses multiple theories. An effective way to keep track of all the information in a class is through the outline method. The outline method features the topic line, supporting facts, and sub-topics. In sociology, for instance, a sub-topic might explain how the researcher developed the theory.
In some cases, a specific study can be the point of focus in a sub-topic. The third line of the outline method is supporting facts that can be used to explain the study’s findings. For instance, you can include a fact about the researcher or the study’s results. Regarding supporting facts, ensure they are only included if the topic focuses on the study directly. Also, avoid including unnecessary information.
The Cornell Method is similar to this approach. The first section of this method is dedicated to the main topic, while the second section allows you to write short comments and keywords. The third section is also where you can record terms such as functionalism or postmodernism. The third section of the outline method is a larger column that contains your main body. This section is also where you can go for more details about keywords.
Understanding Sociological Theories
The major theories in sociology are responsible for the field’s development. Understanding these theories is very important because they affect how people interpret information. Researchers can interpret similar situations with the same observations, but they can also differ based on the different theories. For instance, some of these theories try to provide a wide-ranging perspective of society.
Structural Functionalism
One of the most popular theories in the field is structural functionalism, which aims to explain how society works. It states that various factors are responsible for its operations, such as social institutions.
In this area of study, social structures such as religious organisations are also responsible for society’s work. These large organisations can affect the individual lives of people regularly. For example, religious organisations can help people plan their everyday lives.
Large organisations can also help maintain the norms people have established for themselves. However, these norms can’t be considered universally acceptable. For instance, racial discrimination was a common practice in the US at one time. Due to intense resistance, institutions changed their operations.
During racist doctrine, many institutions passed norms that perpetuated discrimination. However, since these institutions were forced to change, these norms were no longer enforced.
Conflict Theory
According to conflict theory, groups and individuals get into conflicts due to the limited resources available. As a result, they can affect the society around them. This can include the large institutions that exist in society.
Throughout history, various social injustices have been known to lead to uprisings. For instance, racial discrimination inspired the Civil Rights movement. Similarly, women’s suffrage gave them the liberty to influence politics for the first time.
Feminism
The concept of feminism focuses on the idea that men have a position of privilege in society, and women have been disadvantaged due to their backgrounds. Feminist perspectives have significantly influenced various social changes over the past century.
Institutions such as schools, hospitals, and universities are seen as part of a larger system of oppression in feminist interpretation. This concept has been altered through the years to include new concepts such as postmodernism and globalisation.
Since women’s experiences vary, feminism has tried to incorporate various perspectives into the analysis of a society catered to one gender over another. It has also tried to integrate the perspectives of minorities. Since various institutions can be used to oppress people, these kinds of oppression have been addressed by feminism.
By integrating these perspectives, feminism has evolved into a powerful theory that can explain how gender roles have affected societal power disparities.
IGCSE Sociology Online Homeschooling With Cambridge Home School Online
Cambridge Home School Online’s Upper School offers an independent curriculum that helps students secure top grades in the IGCSE Sociology examinations. Our teachers are highly experienced in the field and can introduce them to the fundamentals of sociology. This allows them to develop their critical thinking and research skills.
Cambridge Home School Online hosts four programs for students in Asia, Europe, and Africa; Primary Prep, Lower School, Upper School, and Sixth Form.
Through the curriculum, students can develop their critical thinking and research skills. They also learn about the major theories of sociology. We encourage students to become more aware of the relationship between sociology and everyday life, helping them understand their thoughts and feelings.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is sociology and its main focus?
Sociology is an academic field dedicated to understanding the connections between larger institutions and individuals. It explores both small-scale concerns like personal relationships and large-scale societal issues like race, religion, and gender.
How does Cambridge Home School Online support sociology studies?
Cambridge Home School Online provides a structured curriculum designed to help students excel in IGCSE Sociology. Through its Upper School program, students gain access to experienced teachers and multiple resources that strengthen their critical thinking and research abilities.
What are some effective note-taking methods for studying sociology?
Two prevalent note-taking techniques are the Outline Method and the Cornell Method. The Outline Method employs a hierarchical format featuring topics, sub-topics, and supporting facts. The Cornell Method divides the page into sections where students jot down the main topic, relevant comments, and detailed notes.
Can you name some significant theories in sociology?
Important theories in sociology include Structural Functionalism, which explains the role of social institutions in society, and Conflict Theory, which examines how limited resources lead to societal conflicts. Feminism is another key theory that focuses on gender inequalities and societal power imbalances.
How does sociology intersect with everyday life?
Sociology provides insights into everyday interactions and phenomena by explaining the influence of social institutions, norms, and theories on individual and group behaviour. Understanding sociology helps people become more aware of the factors shaping their thoughts, feelings, and actions.