Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from social stability to radical change in whole societies. Unifying the study of these diverse subjects of study is Sociology’s purpose of understanding how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures. Sociology is an exciting and illuminating field of study in Sixth Form that analyses and explains important matters in our personal lives, our communities, and the world. At the personal level, Sociology investigates the social causes and consequences of such things as romantic love, racial and gender identity, family conflict, deviant behaviour, ageing, and religious faith. At the societal level, Sociology examines and explains matters like crime and law, poverty and wealth, prejudice and discrimination, schools and education, business firms, urban communities, and social movements. At the global level, sociology studies such phenomena as population growth and migration, war and peace, and economic development. A-level Sociology offers students the opportunity to develop the essential knowledge and understanding of central aspects of sociological thought and methods. It is designed to encourage students to demonstrate the application of a range of skills and consider the integration of sociological themes - • Socialisation, culture and identity • Social differentiation, power and stratification