Concepts in Quantitative Sociological Research

Concepts are the building blocks of theory, and are the points around which social research is conducted. Concepts are closely related to the main sociological perspectives, and some of the main concepts developed by different perspectives include: Functionalism – social integration and anomie Marxism – social class and alienation. Feminism – gender and patriarchy Interactionism … Continue reading “Concepts in Quantitative Sociological Research”

Sociology Songs

Some popular songs from across the decades which illustrate various social trends. The 1960s…. I Can’t Get No Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones (1965) No, it’s not (just) about sexual frustration, in a word (or rather a concept) it’s about anomie… with possible links to Strain Theory. The 1960s witnessed the acceleration of consumer culture, … Continue reading “Sociology Songs”

How will Big Data Change Social Research?

Big data will change the nature of social research –  more data will do away with the need for sampling (and eradicated the biases that emerge with sampling); big data analysis will be messier, but this will lead to more insights and allow for greater depth of analysis; and finally it will move us away … Continue reading “How will Big Data Change Social Research?”

Evaluate the Functionalist View of the Role of Education in Society (30) #LONG VERSION

Essay practice for A-level sociology!

Modernization Theory

By the end of the Second World War many of the countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America had failed to develop and remained poor, despite exposure to capitalism. There was concern amongst the leaders of the western developed countries, especially the United States, that communism might spread into many of these countries, potentially harming … Continue reading “Modernization Theory”

An Introduction to Culture, Socialisation, and Social Norms

In sociology, it is essential to understand the social context in which human behaviour takes place – and this involves understanding the culture in which social action occurs. Culture is a very broad concept which encompasses the norms, values, customs, traditions, habits, skills, knowledge, beliefs and the whole way of life of a group of … Continue reading “An Introduction to Culture, Socialisation, and Social Norms”

Sociological Perspectives – Key Supporting Evidence

Below are a few quantitative and qualitative sources (case studies and statistics) that can be used to illustrate aspects of the main perspectives within A-level sociology – Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Social Action Theory and Post and Late Modernism Functionalism Bruce Parry: participant observation with ‘The Tribe’ Educating Yorkshire Official statistics show declining family Size Cross … Continue reading “Sociological Perspectives – Key Supporting Evidence”

Educational Technology – Increasing Inequality and Other Potential Problems

Does the increasing use of educational technology enhance the ‘learning experience’ for learners, or does it just reinforce existing social problems such as inequality of educational outcomes? Personally I’m sceptical about the benefits of educational technology.  In its recent report, OFCOM describe young people as prolific users of digital media, with the vast majority of … Continue reading “Educational Technology – Increasing Inequality and Other Potential Problems”