Sociology 9699 Notes _verified_ Review
This guide is designed for both AS and A-Level components. (Note: Always check your specific syllabus for the current year, as options vary by region.)
Understanding the 9699 Syllabus Structure
Before you write or download a single note, you must understand the architecture of the Cambridge 9699 syllabus. Your notes should mirror this structure exactly. sociology 9699 notes
The syllabus is divided into two levels: This guide is designed for both AS and A-Level components
Paper 2 (A Level): 1 hour 30 minutes
- Topic-based essay (Family, Education, etc.) – 40 marks.
- Command words: "Assess" (weigh up strengths/weaknesses), "Evaluate" (judge using evidence).
4. Education (Paper 2 – A Level)
Paper 3 (A Level): 1 hour 30 minutes
- Crime & Deviance + Media/Development – two 30-mark essays.
- Top band (25-30): Clear argument, uses at least 3 theories, applies concepts, evaluates with research evidence.
Key verbs:
- Define (2 marks): Short meaning.
- Describe (4 marks): Outline features.
- Explain (6 marks): Reasons or causes.
- Analyse (8 marks): Break down into parts + links.
- Evaluate (12+ marks): Judge strengths/weaknesses using evidence.
1.1 Functionalism (Consensus Theory)
- Key Thinkers: Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, Robert Merton.
- Core Idea: Society is a system of interrelated parts (like a biological organism). Each institution (family, education, religion) performs a function to maintain social stability and order.
- Key Concepts:
- Value Consensus: Shared norms and values bind society together.
- Social Solidarity: Sense of belonging; prevents anomie (normlessness).
- Organic Analogy: Society’s institutions work like organs to keep the "body" healthy.
- Evaluation: Over-praises harmony; ignores conflict, power imbalances, and exploitation (Marxist critique). Too teleological (explains everything by its supposed purpose).