2023 2024 Syllabus

Syllabus
Cambridge O Level
Sociology 2251
Use this syllabus for exams in 2023 and 2024.
Exams are available in the June and November series.
Version 2
Please check the syllabus page at www.cambridgeinternational.org/2251
to see if this syllabus is available in your administrative zone.
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Contents
1 Why choose this syllabus? ..................................................................................................... 2
2 Syllabus overview .................................................................................................................... 5

Aims 5
Content overview 6
Assessment overview 7
Assessment objectives 8
3 Subject content .......................................................................................................................10

Paper 1 10
Paper 2 14
4 Details of the assessment ................................................................................................... 20

Paper 1 20
Paper 2 20
5 What else you need to know ............................................................................................... 21

Before you start 21
Making entries 22
After the exam 23
How students and teachers can use the grades 23
Grade descriptions 23
Changes to this syllabus for 2023 and 2024 24
Important: Changes to this syllabus

For information about changes to this syllabus for 2023 and 2024, go to page 24.
The latest syllabus is version 1, published September 2020. There are no significant changes which affect
teaching.
Any textbooks endorsed to support the syllabus for examination from 2016 are still suitable for use with this
syllabus.
Cambridge O Level Sociology 2251 syllabus for 2023 and 2024.
1 Why choose this syllabus?
Key benefits
Cambridge O Level is typically for 14 to 16 year olds and is an internationally recognised qualification. It has been
designed especially for an international market and is sensitive to the needs of different countries. Cambridge O
Level is designed for learners whose first language may not be English, and this is acknowledged throughout the
examination process.
Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills
learners need for their next steps in education or employment.
Cambridge O Level Sociology is accepted by schools, universities and employers as proof of knowledge and
understanding. Successful Cambridge O Level Sociology candidates gain lifelong skills, including:
• a better understanding of how we become who we are
• t he ability to analyse human behaviour within their own society, between different cultures and across
different periods of time
• an appreciation of the effects that choice of methodology can have on social science investigations
• the ability to use sociological evidence and ideas to challenge their own beliefs and the beliefs of other people
about issues such as equality, education, the family and crime.
Our approach in Cambridge O Level Sociology encourages learners to be:
Cambridge
learner
‘Cambridge O Level has helped me develop thinking and analytical skills which will go a long way
in helping me with advanced studies.’
Kamal Khan Virk, former student at Beaconhouse Garden Town Secondary School, Pakistan, who went on to study Actuarial Science at
the London School of Economics
2 www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel Back to contents page

Cambridge O Level Sociology 2251 syllabus for 2023 and 2024. Why choose this syllabus?
International recognition and acceptance

Our expertise in curriculum, teaching and learning, and assessment is the basis for the recognition of our
programmes and qualifications around the world. The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge O Level
Sociology gives learners a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well
prepared to follow a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology.
Cambridge O Levels are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence
of academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and
Cambridge O Levels or equivalent to meet their entry requirements.
Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition
Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel 3

Cambridge O Level Sociology 2251 syllabus for 2023 and 2024. Why choose this syllabus?
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2 Syllabus overview
Aims
The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.
The aims are to:

• promote candidates’ awareness, knowledge and understanding of human societies
• develop candidates’ understanding of sociological methods, including the collection, analysis and interpretation
of data
• provide an introduction to sociological concepts, theories and research findings
• stimulate awareness of the range and limitations of sociological theory and research
• promote candidates’ understanding of continuity and change in social life
• encourage a critical awareness of social, economic and political processes, and their effects
• develop the capacity for critical evaluation of different forms of information and evidence
• promote an appreciation and understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity
• enhance candidates’ ability to apply sociological knowledge and understanding to their own lives and their
participation within society.
Cambridge Assessment International Education is an education organisation and politically neutral.

The contents of this syllabus, examination papers and associated materials do not endorse any political
view. We endeavour to treat all aspects of the exam process neutrally.

Cambridge O Level Sociology 2251 syllabus for 2023 and 2024. Syllabus overview
Content overview
The content is organised into seven study units, which explore the nature of social relationships, processes and
structures.
Paper 1
Unit 1: Theory and methods How do different sociologists interpret society?

How do sociologists study society?
What types of information and data do sociologists use?
Unit 2: Culture, identity and What is the relationship between the individual and society?
socialisation How do we learn to be human?
Unit 3: Social inequality What is social stratification?

What are the main features of social inequality and how are these
created?
Paper 2
Unit 4: Family What are the different types of family?

How are family roles changing?
What are the changes affecting the family?
Unit 5: Education What is the function of education?

What factors help to explain differences in educational
achievement?
Unit 6: Crime, deviance and What are crime, deviance and social control?
social control What are the patterns of crime?
What are the explanations of crime?
Unit 7: Media Who controls the media?

What is the influence of the media?
This O Level syllabus shares content with other sociology syllabuses. For further support see the
School Support Hub for IGCSE Sociology. Textbooks endorsed to support IGCSE Sociology are suitable for use
with this syllabus.

Assessment overview
All candidates take two components. Candidates will be eligible for grades A* to E.
All candidates take: and:
Paper 1 2 hours Paper 2 1 hour 45 minutes

(including 15 minutes’ reading time) (including 15 minutes’ reading time)
54% 46%
80 marks 70 marks
Candidates answer one compulsory data response Candidates answer two optional structured
question and one optional structured question questions from a choice of four.
from a choice of two. This paper test content from Units 4, 5, 6 and 7.
This paper test content from Units 1, 2 and 3. Externally assessed
Externally assessed
Information on availability is in the Before you start section.

Assessment objectives
The assessment objectives (AOs) are:
AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Candidates should be able to:
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of appropriate sociological topics
• understand the theoretical and practical considerations influencing the design and application of sociological
enquiry
• understand and apply sociological terminology and concepts.
AO2 Interpretation of evidence

• demonstrate an awareness of the main methods of sociological enquiry and their uses
• interpret and apply relevant evidence and data
• show an awareness of different types and sources of evidence.
AO3 Analysis and evaluation

• evaluate the strengths and limitations of particular sociological studies and methods
• recognise limitations and bias in evidence and distinguish between fact, opinion and values
• reach conclusions based on a reasoned consideration of available evidence
• organise and present sociological evidence and arguments in a coherent and purposeful form.

Weighting for assessment objectives

The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.
Assessment objectives as a percentage of the qualification

Assessment objective Weighting in O Level %
AO1 Knowledge and understanding 35–40
AO2 Interpretation of evidence 30–35
AO3 Analysis and evaluation 25–30
Total 100
Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component

Assessment objective Weighting in components %
Paper 1 Paper 2
AO1 Knowledge and understanding 38–44 35–43
AO2 Interpretation of evidence 31–38 28–35
AO3 Analysis and evaluation 26–31 22–28
Total 100 100

3 Subject content
This syllabus gives you the flexibility to design a course that will interest, challenge and engage your learners.
Where appropriate you are responsible for selecting topics, subject contexts, resources and examples to support
your learners’ study. These should be appropriate for the learners’ age, cultural background and learning context as
well as complying with your school policies and local legal requirements.
Paper 1
The content is organised into seven study units, which explore the nature of social relationships, processes and
structures. The first unit provides a foundation for the other units of the syllabus by considering the methods and
procedures employed in sociological research. Promoting candidates’ understanding of research methods and their
limitations is a key component of the syllabus and this underpins each of the other study units.
Teachers should emphasise how different levels of social life (macro and micro) are interconnected and encourage
candidates’ awareness of the interrelated nature of the social structure. Candidates will also be expected to
recognise the significance of class, gender, ethnic and age differences within societies. Cross-cultural and historical
comparisons, analysis and use of examples are encouraged.
The Cambridge O Level Sociology syllabus has been designed so that teachers in any society can apply
candidates’ own experiences, local case studies and sociological work relating to their own way of life to an
understanding of the central ideas and themes of sociology in modern industrial societies.
Paper 1 comprises three units, all of which are fundamental to the study of sociology and provide a foundation for
studying the units in Paper 2. Candidates should study all three units in Paper 1
Unit 1: Theory and methods

This first unit provides a foundation for the other parts of the syllabus by considering the approaches and
procedures used in sociological research. This provides a basis for understanding the uniquely sociological way of
looking at society. It underpins and provides an understanding of each of the other study units.
(a) How do different sociologists interpret society?
• Structuralist and interpretivist approaches; the individual, identity and society.

• How different views (Functionalist, Marxist, feminist) on conflict and consensus create alternative
perspectives.
(b) How do sociologists study society?
• The distinction between positivist and interpretivist approaches to research methods.

• The main steps in devising and implementing a research strategy: research aims, selection of topic,
hypothesis setting and revision, pilot studies, sampling.
• Difficulties in implementing a research strategy.
• Ethical issues affecting the choice and implementation of a research strategy.
• The main methods used in sociological investigation: questionnaires/social surveys, interviews,
experiments, case studies, longitudinal studies, participant and non-participant observation, content
analysis and triangulation. Coverage should include the strengths and limitations of each method,
assessment of their usefulness in sociological research and awareness of the types of evidence produced.
• The importance of analysing and evaluating research with reference to issues of validity, reliability,
generalisability, representativeness and research/researcher bias.

Cambridge O Level Sociology 2251 syllabus for 2023 and 2024. Subject content
(c) What types of information and data do sociologists use?
• The difference between primary and secondary data; the uses, strengths and limitations and value of
each type of data.
• Qualitative and quantitative data. The strengths and limitations of qualitative sources including
historical and personal documents, diaries and media content. The ability to interpret and evaluate
evidence from short qualitative sources. The strengths and limitations of quantitative sources including
official statistics. The ability to interpret data from diagrams, charts, graphs and tables.
Key terms
• Bias • Interviewer effect • Representativeness
• Case study • Laboratory experiments • Respondent
• Causation • Longitudinal survey • Response rate
• Comparative study • Macro/micro approaches • Sampling methods/random/
• Conflict • Non-participant observation snowballing/quota/stratified
• Consensus • Objectivity • Sampling frame
• Content analysis • Official/non-official statistics • Secondary data
• Correlation • Open/closed/pre-coded • Self-completion questionnaires
• Covert participant observation questions • Semi-structured interview
• Ethical issues • Overt participant observation • Social survey
• Field experiments • Perspectives • Structuralism
• Focus group • Pilot study • Structured interview
• Generalisability • Positivism • Subjectivity
• Group interview • Postal questionnaires • Survey population
• Hawthorne/Observer Effect • Primary data • Telephone questionnaires
• Historical documents • Qualitative data/research • Trend
• Hypothesis • Quantitative data/research • Triangulation
• Identity • Questionnaires • Unstructured interview
• Interpretivism • Reliability • Validity
• Interviewer bias

Unit 2: Culture, identity and socialisation

This unit considers the relationship between the individual and society and how far humans are shaped by social
processes by comparison with alternative influences, such as biological and psychological factors. Questions may
also draw on knowledge from Unit 1.
(a) What is the relationship between the individual and society?
• Culture, norms, values, roles, status and beliefs as social constructions and how these influence human
behaviour; relativity.
• Conformity and non-conformity; the agencies and processes of social control. Examples of rewards and
sanctions applied in different societies and organisations (e.g. schools, the workplace). The formation
and existence of sub-cultures (e.g. youth sub-cultures, religious sub-cultures) in society and how these
impact on consensus and conflict.
• Diversity and cultural variation in human behaviour and issues related to cultural relativism/
multiculturalism. The debate about whether globalisation is creating a global culture.
• Age/age group as an example of social construction.
(b) How do we learn to be human?
• Primary and secondary socialisation.

• Processes through which children learn social expectations (e.g. manipulation, hidden curriculum).
• Main agencies of socialisation (e.g. family, education, media) and their impact on the individual,
including the consequences of inadequate socialisation.
• The nature/nurture debate.
• Role, age, gender, ethnic group and class as influences on social identity.
Key terms
• Adolescence • Globalisation/global culture • Secondary socialisation
• Adulthood • Hidden curriculum • Social class
• Age/age groups • Imitation • Social conformity
• Agencies of socialisation • Inadequate socialisation • Social construction
• Belief • Law • Social control/formal and
• Child-centred • Lifestyle informal
• Childhood • Manipulation/canalisation • Social identity
• Coercion • Multicultural society • Social institutions
• Cultural relativism • Nature/nurture • Social interaction
• Culture • Norms/values • Social order
• Customs • Ostracism • Status (achieved/ascribed)
• Diversity • Peer group • Stereotype
• Elderly • Peer pressure • Sub-culture
• Ethnic minority • Primary socialisation • Value consensus
• Ethnicity/race • Rewards/sanctions • Youth sub-culture
• Femininity/masculinity • Role
• Feral children • Role conflict
• Gender/sex • Role modelling

Unit 3: Social inequality

This unit explores the way in which social processes stratify society in all parts of the world, the reasons why
inequalities exist, as well as how they are created and perpetuated. Questions may also draw on knowledge from
Unit 1.
(a) What is social stratification?
• Forms of social stratification in modern industrial societies: class, age, ethnicity and gender.
• Open and closed societies.
• Ascribed and achieved status.
• Life chances and why these differ between and within stratified groups.
(b) What are the main features of social inequality and how are these created?
• Wealth and income: the evidence and reasons for the distribution of wealth and income in different
societies and the impact of welfare states and other government measures to reduce inequality,
including equal opportunities legislation. The problems of defining wealth and poverty. The causes of
poverty and the consequences of being rich or poor in a global context.
• Ethnicity: examples of racial prejudice and discrimination in education, employment and housing.
Scapegoating and the consequences of racism for ethnic groups.
• Gender: effect of gender on the life chances of males and females, with particular reference to gender
discrimination in employment. The changing roles of men and women in modern industrial societies and
explanations of gender discrimination.
• Social class: ways of defining and measuring social class. The changing nature and role of different
classes and class cultures. The nature, extent and significance of social mobility.
Key terms:
• Absolute poverty • Feminism • Power
• Achieved status • Gendered division of labour • Prejudice
• Age/Ageism • Glass ceiling • Privileged groups
• Apartheid • Immediate/deferred • Professions/professional worker
• Ascribed status gratification • Racism
• Blue collar worker/white collar • Income • Relative poverty
worker • Industrial societies • Reserve army of labour
• Bourgeoisie • Institutional racism • Scapegoating
• Capitalism • Intergenerational social • Skilled worker/unskilled worker
• Caste mobility • Slavery
• Civil rights/human rights • Intragenerational social • Social class
• Closed society mobility • Social exclusion
• Culture of poverty • Life chances • Social inequality
• Cycle of poverty • Lifestyle • Social mobility
• Dependency culture • Market situation • Social stratification
• Disability • Marxism • Status
• Discrimination • Meritocracy • Traditional societies
• Distribution of wealth/ • Middle class • Underclass
redistribution of wealth • Minority ethnic groups • Upper class
• Domestic labour • Minority groups • Vertical and horizontal
• Elite • Occupational structure segregation
• Embourgeoisement/ • Open society • Wealth
proletarianisation • Patriarchy • Welfare state
• Equal opportunities • Poverty line • Working class/new working
• Fatalism • Poverty trap class

Paper 2
Unit 4: Family
This unit offers candidates the opportunity to explore the sociology of the family, including definitions, structure,
variations and alternatives, and changing roles and relationships within the family. Questions may also draw on
knowledge from Unit 1.
(a) What are the different types of family?
• The nuclear and extended family, reconstituted/step-family and single-parent family. If appropriate to
the local context and not restricted by law or regulation, other family types may also be taught, such as
polygamous family and same-sex family.
• The influence of social stratification and ethnicity on family diversity.
• The functions of the family and the ‘loss of functions’ debate.
• Alternatives to the family, including other types of households (e.g. one-person household, shared
household) and communes.
• Cross-cultural comparisons and variations in marriage including monogamy and serial monogamy.
Alternatives to marriage, such as cohabitation. Explanations of changing trends in marriage and divorce.
If appropriate to the local context and not restricted by law or regulation, civil partnerships, polygamy
and polyandry may also be taught.
(b) How are family roles changing?
• Conjugal roles, maternal and paternal roles, roles of children and members of the wider family, including
grandparents.
• Changes in family relationships and conjugal roles, including symmetrical family debate and issues
relating to patriarchy and gender equality within the family.
• Variations in family relationships reflecting the influences of social stratification and ethnicity.
• The negative aspects of family life, including domestic violence, gender inequality, child abuse and
neglect.
(c) What are the changes affecting the family?
• Industrialisation, urbanisation and family change.

• Demographic trends: family size and birth rates; death rates and life expectancy.
• The consequences for the family of an ageing population.

(c) What are the changes affecting the family? continued
Key terms:
• Arranged marriage • Empty-shell marriage • One-parent/single-parent
• Beanpole family Extended family family
• Boomerang family • Family diversity • One-person household
• Birth rate • Family functions • Patriarchy
• Cereal packet family • Family roles • Primary socialisation
• Child-centeredness • Feminism • Reconstituted family
• Cohabitation • Fertility rate • Secularisation
• Commune • Gender • Segregated conjugal roles
• Conjugal roles • Gender equality • Serial monogamy
• Dark side of the family • Household unit • Step-child
• Death rate • Industrialisation • Step-parent
• Demographic trends • Joint conjugal roles • Symmetrical family
• Divorce • Kinship • Traditional conjugal roles
• Divorce rate • Marital breakdown • Traditional societies
• Domestic division of labour • Marriage • Urbanisation
• Domestic violence • Matriarchy
• Dual burden • Matrifocal
• Dual worker families • Modern industrial societies
• Dysfunctional family • Monogamy
• Empty-nest families • Nuclear family

Unit 5: Education
This unit considers the influence of education on the individual and on society. This includes the role of
education, the main changes in education, patterns of educational achievement. Questions may also draw on
(a) What is the function of education?
• Informal and formal education.

• Education as an agency of socialisation and social control.
• The relationship between education and social mobility.
• Different types of schools, including state, comprehensive, private, single-sex and faith schools.
(b) What factors help to explain differences in educational achievement?
• Patterns in educational achievement and experience in relation to gender, ethnicity and social class.
• Material, cultural and linguistic influences of family background on educational achievement.
• The influence of school, teachers, pupil sub-cultures and the peer group on educational achievement.
• Measuring intelligence, selection and its relationship to educational achievement.
• The roles of the official curriculum and the hidden curriculum.
Key terms:
• Anti-school sub-culture • Immediate/deferred • Selective education
• Comprehensive system gratification • Self-fulfilling prophecy
• Cultural capital • Informal education • Setting
• Cultural deprivation • Intelligence • Single-sex schools
• Culture of masculinity • IQ tests • Socialisation
• Discrimination • Labelling • Social conformity/conformity
• Educational achievement • Life chances • Social control
• Educational inequality (based on • Material deprivation • Social expectations
class, gender and ethnicity) • Meritocracy • Social factors
• Elaborated code • Official curriculum • Social mobility
• Ethnocentrism • Positive discrimination • Social stratification
• Equality of opportunity • Post-compulsory education • State schools
• Faith schools • Private school • Streaming
• Formal education • Restricted code • Vocationalism
• Functions of education • Rewards
• Hidden curriculum • Sanctions
• Home factors • School factors
• Secondary socialisation

Unit 6: Crime, deviance and social control

This unit considers the nature of criminal, deviant and normal behaviour in different social contexts. This
includes definitions and explanations of crime and deviance and patterns of crime. Questions may also draw on
(a) What are crime, deviance and social control?
• The difference between crime and deviance, including how definitions of these terms may vary between
societies and across time, relativity of crime and deviance.
• Formal and informal social control, including agencies of social control such as the media, religion, the
police, courts and the penal system.
(b) What are the patterns of crime?
• Measurements of crime and their strengths and limitations: official statistics, self-report studies and
victim surveys.
• Patterns and explanations of crime by age, class, gender and ethnicity.
• Policing and law enforcement, including policing strategies, e.g. targeting, surveillance, crime prevention.
• Crime related to new technologies (e.g. the internet).
• Dealing with crime: community sentencing, punishment, prison, rehabilitation, other deterrents.
(c) What are the explanations of crime and deviance?
• Sociological explanations of deviant and criminal behaviour: Labelling theory, Marxist theory,
Functionalist theory, socialisation (e.g. family and peer groups), lack of opportunity, relative deprivation,
masculinity, status frustration.
• The role of law enforcement agencies and the media in defining crime and deviance, stereotyping,
labelling and deviancy amplification.
• The development of sub-cultures and links to crime and deviance, with particular reference to youth.
Key terms:
• Agencies of social control • Inadequate socialisation • Relative deprivation
• Anomie • Informal social control • Rewards
• Community sentencing • Internet crime • Sanctions
• Conformity • Judicial system • Self-report studies
• Corporate crime • Juvenile delinquency • Socialisation
• Crime • Labelling • Sociological explanation
• Crime rates • Law enforcement agencies • Status frustration
• Crime prevention • Masculinity • Stereotyping
• Cybercrime • Master status • Stigma
• Dark figure • Material deprivation • Sub-culture
• Deterrent • Moral panic • Surveillance
• Deviance • Official crime statistics • Targeting
• Deviancy amplification • Peer group • Urban crime
• Deviant career • Penal system • Victim surveys
• Dominant values • Policing • White-collar crime
• Exile/Ostracism • Prison • Youth culture/
• Formal social control • Rehabilitation Youth sub-culture

Unit 7: Media
This unit examines contemporary culture and communication through reference to the influence of the media.
Key areas include: the nature and content of the media, the influence of the media, development of the new
media. Questions may also draw on knowledge from Unit 1.
(a) Who controls the media?
• The various forms of the media, (e.g. television, radio, newspapers, books, films, Internet, including social
media).
• Role of advertising.
• Ownership and control of the media.
• Freedom and censorship in the media.
• Pluralist, Marxist and postmodernist perspectives on the nature and role of the media.
• Patterns of media use, (e.g. by gender, age, social class and ethnicity).
• Media representation of ethnicity, gender, age, class and disability
(b) What is the influence of the media?
• The role of the traditional/new media in shaping values, attitudes and behaviour, with particular
reference to television and violence; political beliefs and voting; patterns of consumption; gender
stereotyping; traditional stereotyping the influence of the Internet in areas such as social networking.
• Agenda setting, gate-keeping and stereotyping through the selection and presentation of the news.
• Explanations of the influence of the media: hypodermic-syringe model, audience selection, cultural
effects approach, uses and gratifications model.
• Bias and distortion in the media, including propaganda and moral panics.
• Developments in the media including changes in ownership, globalisation, interactivity, the digital
divide, diversification and convergence within the media.
• Influence of media representations on the audience.

(b) What is the influence of the media? continued
Key terms:
• Advertising • Imitation • Opinion polls
• Agenda setting • Indoctrination • Pluralist
• Audience selection • Interactivity • Postmodern/postmodernist
• Bias • Invisibility • Propaganda
• Broadcasting • Labelling • Public/private funding
• Censorship • Lifestyle • Public service broadcasting
• Citizen journalism • Marxist • Role models
• Convergence • Mass communication • Scapegoats
• Cultural effects approach • Media content • Sensationalism
• Democracy • Media culture • Social control
• Digital divide • Media representation: • Social media
• Distortion ethnicity/gender/age/class/ • Socialisation
• Diversification disability • Stereotyping (e.g. gender/
• Dominant values • Moral panic traditional)
• Exaggeration • Narrowcasting • The press
• Folk devils • New media • Traditional media
• Gate-keeping • News values • Uses and gratification model
• Globalisation • Newsworthiness
• Hypodermic-syringe model • Norm-setting

4 Details of the assessment
All candidates take Papers 1 and 2.
Paper 1
Written paper, 2 hours (including 15 minutes’ reading time), 80 marks
Candidates answer two questions from a choice of three: one compulsory data response question from Section A
and one optional structured question from either Section B or Section C. The duration of 2 hours includes 15
minutes’ reading time.
The compulsory question in Section A is based on source material. The question carries 45 of the 80 marks for the
paper. Candidates should spend approximately one hour answering this question. Section A tests Syllabus Unit 1
(Theory and methods).
Sections B and C consist of structured questions based on stimulus material. The stimulus will take the form of a
short quotation or statement. Section B tests Syllabus Unit 2 (Culture, identity and socialisation) and Section C will
test Unit 3 (Social inequality). Questions for Unit 2 and Unit 3 have five parts, focusing on understanding, practical
interpretation, enquiry and analytical skills. There will be one question related to each of these units. Candidates
are expected to have studied both units.
Paper 2
Written paper, 1 hour 45 minutes (including 15 minutes’ reading time), 70 marks
Candidates answer two optional questions from a choice of four (Sections A to D). The duration of 1 hour 45
minutes includes 15 minutes’ reading time.
Each question carries 35 of the 70 marks for the paper. Candidates should spend approximately 45 minutes
answering each of the two questions.
Paper 2 consists of structured questions based on stimulus material. The stimulus will take the form of a short
quotation or statement from a sociological source. Paper 2 tests Syllabus Unit 4 (Family), Unit 5 (Education), Unit
6 (Crime, deviance and social control) and Unit 7 (Media). Questions for Units 4 to 7 have five parts, focusing on
understanding, practical interpretation, enquiry and analytical skills. There will be one question related to each of
these units. Questions may also draw on knowledge from Unit 1.
Some subject content for Paper 2 Unit 4 (Family) may be taught if appropriate to the local context. Teachers
should decide whether to teach this content, taking into account learners’ ages, cultural backgrounds, learning
contexts, school policies and local legal requirements. This content will not be assessed, but may be used by
candidates to support their responses where relevant.

5 What else you need to know
This section is an overview of other information you need to know about this syllabus. It will help to share the
administrative information with your exams officer so they know when you will need their support. Find more
information about our administrative processes at www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide
Before you start

Previous study
We do not expect learners starting this course to have previously studied Sociology.
Guided learning hours

We design Cambridge O Level syllabuses based on learners having about 130 guided learning hours for each subject
during the course but this is for guidance only. The number of hours a learner needs to achieve the qualification
may vary according to local practice and their previous experience of the subject.
Availability and timetables

All Cambridge schools are allocated to one of six administrative zones. Each zone has a specific timetable. This
syllabus is not available in all administrative zones. To find out about availability check the syllabus page at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/2251
You can view the timetable for your administrative zone at www.cambridgeinternational.org/timetables
You can enter candidates in the June and November exam series.
Check you are using the syllabus for the year the candidate is taking the exam.
Private candidates can enter for this syllabus. For more information, please refer to the Cambridge Guide to Making
Entries.
Combining with other syllabuses

Candidates can take this syllabus alongside other Cambridge International syllabuses in a single exam series. The
only exceptions are:
• Cambridge IGCSE Sociology (0495)
• syllabuses with the same title at the same level.
Cambridge O Level, Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) syllabuses are at the same level.

Cambridge O Level Sociology 2251 syllabus for 2023 and 2024. What else you need to know
Making entries
Exams officers are responsible for submitting entries to Cambridge International. We encourage them to work
closely with you to make sure they enter the right number of candidates for the right combination of syllabus
components. Entry option codes and instructions for submitting entries are in the Cambridge Guide to Making
Entries. Your exams officer has a copy of this guide.
Exam administration
To keep our exams secure, we produce question papers for different areas of the world, known as administrative
zones. We allocate all Cambridge schools to one administrative zone determined by their location. Each zone has
a specific timetable. Some of our syllabuses offer candidates different assessment options. An entry option code
is used to identify the components the candidate will take relevant to the administrative zone and the available
assessment options.
Support for exams officers

We know how important exams officers are to the successful running of exams. We provide them with the support
they need to make your entries on time. Your exams officer will find this support, and guidance for all other phases
of the Cambridge Exams Cycle, at www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide
Retakes
Candidates can retake the whole qualification as many times as they want to. Information on retake entries is at
www.cambridgeinternational.org/entries
Equality and inclusion

We have taken great care to avoid bias of any kind in the preparation of this syllabus and related assessment
materials. In our effort to comply with the UK Equality Act (2010) we have taken all reasonable steps to avoid any
direct and indirect discrimination.
The standard assessment arrangements may present barriers for candidates with impairments. Where a candidate
is eligible, we may be able to make arrangements to enable that candidate to access assessments and receive
recognition of their attainment. We do not agree access arrangements if they give candidates an unfair advantage
over others or if they compromise the standards being assessed.
Candidates who cannot access the assessment of any component may be able to receive an award based on the
parts of the assessment they have completed.
Information on access arrangements is in the Cambridge Handbook at www.cambridgeinternational.org/eoguide
Language
This syllabus and the related assessment materials are available in English only.

After the exam

Grading and reporting
Grades A*, A, B, C, D or E indicate the standard a candidate achieved at Cambridge O Level.
A* is the highest and E is the lowest. ‘Ungraded’ means that the candidate’s performance did not meet the
standard required for grade E. ‘Ungraded’ is reported on the statement of results but not on the certificate.
In specific circumstances your candidates may see one of the following letters on their statement of results:
• Q (PENDING)
• X (NO RESULT).
These letters do not appear on the certificate.
On the statement of results and certificates, Cambridge O Level is shown as GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF
EDUCATION (GCE O LEVEL).
How students and teachers can use the grades

Assessment at Cambridge O Level has two purposes:
• to measure learning and achievement
The assessment:
– confirms achievement and performance in relation to the knowledge, understanding and skills specified in
the syllabus, to the levels described in the grade descriptions.
• to show likely future success
The outcomes:
– help predict which students are well prepared for a particular course or career and/or which students are
more likely to be successful
– help students choose the most suitable course or career.
Grade descriptions
Grade descriptions are provided to give an indication of the standards of achievement candidates awarded
particular grades are likely to show. Weakness in one aspect of the examination may be balanced by a better
performance in some other aspect.
Grade descriptions for Cambridge O Level Sociology will be published after the first assessment of the syllabus in
2020. Find more information at www.cambridgeinternational.org/2251

Changes to this syllabus for 2023 and 2024

This is version 2, published June 2023.
You must read the whole syllabus before planning your teaching programme.
Changes to syllabus content • Subject content, Paper 2, unit 4 Family – guidance has been added to
indicate that family and household forms such as polygamous families
and same-sex families may be taught if appropriate to the local context
and not restricted by law or regulation. Civil partnerships, polyandry,
polygamy, polygyny and same-sex family have been removed from the list
of key terms for unit 4.
Changes to assessment • Details of the assessment, Paper 2 – guidance has been added to indicate
the optional content for unit 4 Family will not be assessed, but may be
used by candidates to support their responses.
Changes to availability • The front cover and the availability section on page 21 have been updated.
Other changes • The ‘Combining with other syllabuses’ section on page 21 has been
updated to correct the syllabus code for Cambridge IGCSE Sociology
(0495)
We have not updated the specimen materials for this syllabus.
Any textbooks endorsed to support the syllabus for examination from 2016 are still suitable for use
with this syllabus.

‘While studying Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Levels, students broaden their horizons
through a global perspective and develop a lasting passion for learning.’
Zhai Xiaoning, Deputy Principal, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China
Cambridge Assessment International Education

The Triangle Building, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge, CB2 8EA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1223 553554 Fax: +44 (0)1223 553558
Email: [email protected] www.cambridgeinternational.org
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Syllabus

‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’

Copyright © UCLES September 2020

1 Why choose this syllabus? ..................................................................................................... 2

2 Syllabus overview .................................................................................................................... 5

3 Subject content .......................................................................................................................10

4 Details of the assessment ................................................................................................... 20

5 What else you need to know ............................................................................................... 21

Important: Changes to this syllabus

1 Why choose this syllabus?

Our approach in Cambridge O Level Sociology encourages learners to be:

2 www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel Back to contents page

International recognition and acceptance

Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/recognition

Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel 3

Find out more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/support

Planning and preparation Teaching and assessment

• Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications

Supporting exams officers

4 www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel Back to contents page

The aims are to:

Cambridge Assessment International Education is an education organisation and politically neutral.

Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel 5

Unit 1: Theory and methods How do different sociologists interpret society?

Unit 3: Social inequality What is social stratification?

Unit 4: Family What are the different types of family?

Unit 5: Education What is the function of education?

Unit 7: Media Who controls the media?

6 www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel Back to contents page

All candidates take: and:

Paper 1 2 hours Paper 2 1 hour 45 minutes

Information on availability is in the Before you start section.

Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel 7

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

AO2 Interpretation of evidence

AO3 Analysis and evaluation

8 www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel Back to contents page

Weighting for assessment objectives

Assessment objectives as a percentage of the qualification

AO1 Knowledge and understanding 35–40

AO2 Interpretation of evidence 30–35

AO3 Analysis and evaluation 25–30

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component

AO1 Knowledge and understanding 38–44 35–43

AO2 Interpretation of evidence 31–38 28–35

AO3 Analysis and evaluation 26–31 22–28

Total 100 100

Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel 9

Unit 1: Theory and methods

(a) How do different sociologists interpret society?

• Structuralist and interpretivist approaches; the individual, identity and society.

(b) How do sociologists study society?

• The distinction between positivist and interpretivist approaches to research methods.

10 www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel Back to contents page

(c) What types of information and data do sociologists use?

Back to contents page www.cambridgeinternational.org/olevel 11

Unit 2: Culture, identity and socialisation

(a) What is the relationship between the individual and society?

(b) How do we learn to be human?