GCSE Sociology

GCSE Sociology helps students develop a critical awareness of the social world. It explores key social structures, processes, and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance, social stratification, and research methods. Several exam boards offer GCSE Sociology, including AQA ( WJEC ( and Eduqas ( These specifications aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sociological concepts and perspectives. The course content typically covers the following key areas:

• The Sociological Approach: This introduces students to the fundamental concepts and perspectives in sociology.
• Social Structures, Processes, and Issues: This explores how social structures shape individual behavior and social interactions.
• Families: This examines different family forms, functions, and the changing dynamics of family life.
• Education: This investigates the role of education in society, including issues of inequality and achievement.
• Crime and Deviance: This explores the sociological explanations of crime and deviance, as well as the social responses to them.
• Social Stratification: This examines social inequality and the different forms of social stratification.
• Sociological Research Methods: This introduces students to the various research methods used in sociological inquiry.

GCSE Sociology assessments typically involve two examination papers. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of sociological concepts, theories, and research methods through a range of question formats, including multiple-choice, short answer, and extended response questions. A variety of resources are available to support students in their studies, including textbooks, revision guides, and online platforms like Seneca ( Students can also access past papers and mark schemes to familiarize themselves with the exam format and assess their progress. A helpful video covering the AQA GCSE Sociology syllabus is available on YouTube (