A-Level Sociology (AQA)

Topic Summaries

Sociological perspectives and debates in sociology

Sociology and social policy

  • Debates about the relationship between research and policymaking.
    • Functionalism: research can inform policies that maintain social order/stability.
      • May reinforce existing inequalities.
    • New Right – Realism: uses crime statistics to promote policies focused on deterrence and zero tolerance.
      • Can target marginalised groups disproportionately.
    • Feminism: sees some policies as instruments of patriarchal control but supports reforms that improve gender equality.
      • Policy impact is often limited by wider structural factors.

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