GCSE Sociology: Sociological Theories Revision

Quick check · one tap

Do all sociologists agree on how society works?

Sociological Theories is a core part of GCSE Sociology. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

DysfunctionWhen an institution stops doing its job properly.

Latent functionMerton: an unintended useful side-effect.

ConservativeCritique that functionalism backs the status quo.

DeterministicCritique: it ignores individual agency.

Meritocratic mythMarxist label for functionalist claims of fairness.

Conflict viewSociety as struggle, not consensus.

MurdockFunctionalist who saw family doing four key roles.

ParsonsLinked family and school to industrial society needs.

AGILParsons: Adaptation, Goal, Integration, Latency.

Primary socialisationFirst norms learned in the family.

Warm bathParsons: family relaxes adults after work.

Manifest functionMerton: an institution's intended useful role.

FunctionalismTheory that each part of society has a useful role.

Organic analogyDurkheim: society is like a living body.

Learn Sociological Theories step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

AQASociological Theories & Approaches

Other boards:Cambridge IGCSE

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

Do all sociologists agree on how society works?✗ Yes, all sociological theories agree. ✓ No — perspectives differ (functionalism, Marxism, feminism).

What does the Marxist perspective emphasise?✗ That society runs on shared consensus with no conflict. ✓ Conflict between social classes over power and resources.

What is primary socialisation?✗ The most important socialisation, happening in school. ✓ Early learning of norms and values, primarily within the family.

What is the postmodern view of identity?✗ Identity is fixed by class, gender, and ethnicity at birth. ✓ Identities are fluid, fragmented, and constructed through consumption and choice.

Practise Sociological Theories — free games

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:

▶ Two Truths, One Lie ▶ Reveal Race ▶ Connections Grid ▶ Falling Words ▶ Word Web

See all 22 games in the Revision Arcade →

Sociological Theories

Key concepts

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Sociological Theories — free games

More GCSE Sociology topics