OxfordAQA International A-Level Sociology: Introducing Sociology (9690)

This guide covers Unit 1 Introducing Sociology, one of two units forming the International AS in OxfordAQA International A-level Sociology (9690), a new qualification first teaching September 2026, with first AS exams May/June 2027 and first A-level exams May/June 2028. The full A-level adds Units 3-5 (People and Development, People and the Environment, People and Technology).

Where this fits in 9690

Unit 1 introduces core sociological perspectives through the study of the family, alongside the research methods skills that recur throughout the rest of the qualification – including in Unit 2 (Exploring Sociology) and the more applied A2 content.

Syllabus coverage

OXFORDAQA INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL SOCIOLOGY (9690) — UNIT 1 INTRODUCING SOCIOLOGY

• 1.1 Families — sociological perspectives on the structure, functions and diversity of family life
• 1.2 Research Methods — the methods sociologists use to investigate social life, including their strengths and limitations

How to approach it

Families (1.1) is best revised by contrasting how different sociological perspectives interpret the same aspect of family life – this comparative approach mirrors how A-level essay questions are typically structured. Research Methods (1.2) deserves particular attention to method-specific strengths and limitations (validity, reliability, ethics, practicality for each named method), since this level of technical precision is what distinguishes A-level answers from GCSE-level ones. Because this unit sits at the start of a five-unit qualification, treat its methods content as foundational knowledge to be applied again in every later unit rather than a topic confined to Unit 1 alone. Since this qualification is newly launched, seek out the specification’s own sample assessment materials as they become available rather than relying solely on general A-level sociology practice, since question style and emphasis can differ between specifications even where content overlaps. Building a habit of linking Families content back to research methods evidence – which studies or data support a given claim – also prepares directly for the more evaluative demands of the later A2 units.

Official syllabus

OxfordAQA International A-level Sociology switching guide (official comparison document; standalone specification PDF not separately located at verification) — oxfordaqa.com.

The sociological perspective

Sociology studies society as something with structure and pattern, not merely a collection of individuals. Its founding move is the distinction between biological and social explanation: behaviour that appears natural — gender roles, diet, family form — varies so widely between societies that culture must be doing the work.

Socialisation is how culture is transmitted. Primary socialisation happens in the family; secondary socialisation through education, peers, religion, workplace and media. Norms are expected behaviours, values are shared beliefs about what matters, roles are behaviours attached to positions, and status may be ascribed (fixed at birth) or achieved (earned).

Structure and action

The central theoretical divide is whether society shapes individuals or individuals create society.

Structural (macro) theories see behaviour as shaped by society.

• Functionalism (Durkheim, Parsons) treats society as a system of interdependent institutions maintaining stability through value consensus. Criticised for downplaying conflict and for teleology.
• Marxism sees society as shaped by economic conflict between bourgeoisie and proletariat, with the superstructure serving the ruling class and false consciousness obscuring exploitation. Criticised for economic determinism.
• Feminism analyses patriarchy, divided into liberal, radical, Marxist and difference strands.

Social action (micro) theories — interactionism, labelling, Weber’s verstehen — start from meanings individuals attach to situations. Criticised for neglecting the structural constraints people plainly face.

Postmodernism argues class, gender and nation have fragmented, identity is chosen and fluid, and grand theories no longer explain a media-saturated society.

Research methods

Positivists favour quantitative methods producing reliable, generalisable data — questionnaires, structured interviews, official statistics. Interpretivists favour qualitative methods producing valid, in-depth insight — unstructured interviews, participant observation.

Choice is judged on the PET practical, ethical and theoretical factors, and on:

• Reliability — would repeating it give the same result?
• Validity — does it measure what it claims to measure?
• Representativeness — can findings be generalised?

Reliability and validity frequently trade off: a structured questionnaire is highly reliable but may lack validity; participant observation is the reverse.

Ethical requirements are informed consent, confidentiality, protection from harm, and the right to withdraw — covert observation being the standard case where these are contested.

Worked example

Assess the usefulness of participant observation for studying a criminal gang.

STRENGTHS   high validity -- behaviour observed in its natural setting
            access to a group that would refuse a questionnaire
            reveals meanings members attach to their own actions

WEAKNESSES  not reliable -- cannot be replicated
            small sample, not representative
            researcher may 'go native', losing objectivity
            covert work raises consent and safety issues
            time-consuming and expensive

The conclusion should turn on purpose: for understanding meaning it is the strongest method available; for measuring prevalence it is the wrong tool.

Common mistakes

Treating norms and values as interchangeable. Describing functionalism and Marxism as micro theories. Confusing reliability with validity — the single most common error in this topic. Listing methods without linking them to positivism or interpretivism. Assessing a method in the abstract rather than against the research aim. Omitting named sociologists.

Quick revision checklist

• Distinguish biological from social explanation and define norms, values, roles and status.
• Explain primary and secondary socialisation with agents of each.
• Outline functionalism, Marxism, feminism, social action theory and postmodernism, with evaluation.
• Contrast positivist and interpretivist approaches.
• Define reliability, validity and representativeness, and explain the trade-offs.
• Assess a named method against a specific research aim and apply ethical guidelines.