Sociology is ‘the academic study of society’. Just as History studies people and events of the past, Sociology’s focus is on the contemporary world. If you choose this subject expect to take a detailed look at modern Britain, warts and all. It appeals to those with a genuine interest in current affairs, and social issues and a desire to understand human behaviour. Sociology is not simply a debating chamber, however. Success in the course depends on detailed knowledge of theories and research findings, expressed using appropriate academic language. Sociological insight enables students to challenge social stereotypes and prejudices. It is guaranteed to change the way you see the world! Sociology students need to be inquisitive and brimming with thoughtful questions; the whole course is based on exploring and analysing human behaviour and the social institutions which shape our identity and life chances. The major topic areas include: Families and Households: Why have divorce and single-parenthood become more common? What has happened to the traditional nuclear family? Has sexism disappeared or is it still prominent in most families and wider society too? Why has modern childhood been described as ‘toxic’? What are the social consequences of an ageing population? Education: How important are parents in a child’s intellectual and social development? Why have girls achieved higher grades than boys in recent decades? If females achieve better grades, why don’t they earn higher salaries? Is the academic underachievement of children from deprived backgrounds due to poor parenting, poor schooling, poverty, and peer-group pressure? What is the pattern of academic achievement among ethnic minority groups in Britain? Religion and Belief Systems: Do all major world religions treat women as second-class subjects? Why is Christianity experiencing a long, slow death in British society? Do religious beliefs lead to harmony or conflict within communities and across the world? Is religion a ‘drug’ used to control the masses? Crime and Deviance: Is there such as thing as a ‘typical criminal’ or do we all break the law? Why is Britain’s prison population over 90% male? Why are the vast majority of prisoners from deprived backgrounds? Is British policing institutionally racist? Is there ‘one law for the rich and another for the poor’? Should we be ‘tough on crime’ or’ tough on the causes of crime’? Mass Media: Is the mass media still guilty of negatively stereotyping ethnic minority groups, contributing to prejudice and discrimination? Feminists argue that the mass media presents women as sexual objects and pressurises females to emulate ‘false beauty’. Is this a valid argument? Does on-screen violence via video games trigger real-life violence? Do newspapers influence voting habits? Are we misinformed by a politically biased press?