The Sociology Guy
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thesociologyguy.bsky.social
The Sociology Guy
@thesociologyguy.bsky.social
240 followers 220 following 230 posts
Teacher of Sociology - posting about all things Sociology, which is pretty much everything! youtube channel: thesociologyguy Insta: thesociologyguy
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thesociologyguy.bsky.social
Thanks Russell. Been having a little break at minute, but will have a look over them when I'm back
July 18, 2025 at 3:56 PM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
What is the difference between a sect and a cult? According to sociologists, these two NRMs are marked by very different origins and practices. #sociology #alevelsociology #socibis 3/3
There are clear theoretical differences between cults and sects in terms of structure, beliefs, and relationships to society. However, sociological definitions are fluid – groups can evolve over time, and labels can be contested. Typologies like those of Wallis and Stark & Bainbridge help illustrate differences, but real-world complexity often resists neat classification. Stark and Bainbridge – Audience, Client, and Cult Movements 📚 Stark and Bainbridge (1985) – developed a typology of cults: Audience cults – least organised, often media-based (e.g. astrology). Client cults – offer services (e.g. self-help, therapy). Cult movements – more organised, demand higher commitment (e.g. Scientology). Niebuhr (1929) – sects tend to be short-lived; they either: Denominationalise (become more mainstream), Die out, or Be replaced by a new sect.
May 26, 2025 at 12:40 AM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
Impacts of the ageing population - the UK median age is 40.7 with less children being born and people living longer, but what are the impacts: #sociology #aqaalevelsociology #socfam 3/3
On the other hand, older people often have more spending power – they become a key market for goods and services (sometimes called the 'grey pound'). On the other hand, older people often have more spending power – they become a key market for goods and services (sometimes called the 'grey pound'). Cultural and Social Attitudes Ageism can become more common – older people may be seen as a burden, or face stereotypes (e.g. “they don’t understand technology”). More contemporary arguments suggest there is a growth in ‘active ageing’ as individuals have more leisure time and ability to pursue hobbies after retiring.
May 25, 2025 at 9:36 PM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
Impacts of the ageing population - the UK median age is 40.7 with less children being born and people living longer, but what are the impacts: #sociology #aqaalevelsociology #socfam 2/3
More Care Responsibilities Feminist sociologists highlight the burden on women – often it’s daughters or daughters-in-law who care for elderly relatives. Sandwich generation: People (especially women) looking after both elderly parents and dependent children at the same time. Leads to emotional strain, time poverty, and sometimes financial hardship. Pressure on Public Services Older people use the NHS more for age-related conditions (e.g. dementia, mobility issues). Hirsch (2005) argues we’ll need to redistribute income and resources – e.g. more spending on pensions and healthcare, possibly paid for by raising taxes or extending working age.
May 25, 2025 at 9:33 PM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
I did not know. Thanks Russell.
May 25, 2025 at 8:44 PM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
The individualisation thesis is important for understanding how and why family structures have become more diverse in late modern society. While it highlights new freedoms and choices, it also reveals the uncertainties and risks involved in modern relationships. #sociology #aqaalevelsociology 3/3
two paper silhouettes facing each other with tangled laces connecting brains. Caption: Beck & Beck-Gernsheim (1995) – ‘The Normal Chaos of Love’. This creates tensions – for example, between work and family life, or personal fulfilment and commitment. The result: more diverse family forms, like lone-parent families, reconstituted families, cohabitation, and LATs (Living Apart Together). Checklist. Caption: Key Features of the Individualisation Thesis: Greater choice in personal relationships. Traditional structures (e.g. marriage, gender roles) have lost their power. Family life is less stable, but potentially more equal and fulfilling. People are expected to construct their own lives and take personal responsibility for their choices. Rise in family diversity (e.g. same-sex families, childfree couples, LATs). dictionary page. Caption: Criticisms:Feminists argue it ignores structural inequalities (e.g. class, gender). Not everyone has the same freedom to choose. Personal Life Perspective (e.g. Carol Smart) says choices are still embedded in social networks, traditions, and responsibilities. It’s not all down to individual decisions. It may overstate individual freedom. Many still face pressures from culture, religion, or financial constraints.
May 23, 2025 at 8:54 PM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
The individualisation thesis is important for understanding how and why family structures have become more diverse in late modern society. While it highlights new freedoms and choices, it also reveals the uncertainties and risks involved in modern relationships. #sociology #aqaalevelsociology 2/3
Heart drawn in ink pen on page. Caption: Giddens (1992) – Confluent Love. Love is now more about intimacy and emotional fulfilment than duty or economic necessity. Confluent love replaces traditional romantic love - it’s active, conditional and temporary. the word risk in middle of a mindmap: Caption: Beck (1992) – ‘Risk Society’ and Negotiated Families - Beck argues we now live in a ‘risk society’ - a society where decisions are made by calculating risks and consequences, rather than following tradition. Families have become more negotiated - roles and responsibilities are decided between individuals, not assumed. post it notes scattered across a pinboard. Caption: Beck & Beck-Gernsheim (1995) – ‘The Normal Chaos of Love’. They describe modern relationships as chaotic because people are trying to balance freedom with a desire for love and security. People want intimacy, but also want to maintain independence and self-identity.
May 23, 2025 at 8:51 PM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
What is the Personal Life Perspective? What do students need to know about PLP for sitting AQA A Level Sociology Families and Households? Check out this brief overview of main points of PLP #aqaalevelsociology #alevelsociology #sociologystudent #socfam 3/3
Caption: mart suggests we look beyond the traditional family and focus on “personal life”, which can include: Friends who feel “like family” Pets as family members Fictive kin (e.g. calling a close friend “auntie”) Non-biological parental roles (e.g. step-parents or donor-conceived families) {Person doing Yoga on beach with caption: Strengths of PLP Inclusive – recognises diverse family forms and emotional bonds. Realistic – reflects how people experience family in real life. Challenges stereotypes – doesn't assume one “correct” family type. Dictionary page with Caption: Criticisms of PLP Too individualistic – can seem vague or difficult to generalise. Underplays inequality – may ignore how class, gender and ethnicity limit choices. Lacks structure – not as useful for explaining broader patterns or policies.
May 23, 2025 at 7:55 PM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
What is the Personal Life Perspective? What do students need to know about PLP for sitting AQA A Level Sociology Families and Households? Check out this brief overview of main points of PLP #aqaalevelsociology #alevelsociology #sociologystudent #socfam 2/3
Finger with face drawn on, surrounded by colourful speech bubbles. Caption: The Connectedness Thesis. This opposes ideas of individualism and free choice proposed by sociologists such as Giddens and Beck Paper doll cut outs in a circle with Captions: Smart (2007) Smart argues against the idea that individuals are completely free to choose their family ties. Instead, she proposes the Connectedness Thesis Outdoor family meal with caption: Smart argues: We’re always connected to others, even after a relationship ends, emotional ties remain. Decisions are shaped by history and embedded relationships e.g., past marriages, children, or cultural expectations.
May 23, 2025 at 7:53 PM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
What do you need to cover for #socfam Option Topic of Families and households for AQA. Simple overview of main themes. 📌 Save & share with your study group!
#AQASociology #FamiliesAndHouseholds #ALevelSociology #StudySociology 3/3
Family Change Over Time Track how family structures have shifted—from large extended families to nuclear families, to today’s more fluid and diverse arrangements. Demography Look at population trends like birth rates, death rates, life expectancy, and migration—and how these affect family life in the UK today. Family Policy Examine how government laws and policies (like maternity leave, benefits, and marriage laws) shape family choices and structure—who benefits, and who doesn't?
May 23, 2025 at 1:34 PM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
What do you need to cover for #socfam Option Topic of Families and households for AQA. Simple overview of main themes. 📌 Save & share with your study group!
#AQASociology #FamiliesAndHouseholds #ALevelSociology #StudySociology 2/3
Family Patterns & Diversity Learn how family types are changing—more cohabitation, later marriages, higher divorce rates, and diverse family forms like single-parent and same-sex families. Gender Roles & Domestic Labour Who does the cooking, cleaning, and childcare? Study how roles within the home have changed (or stayed the same), and whether relationships are becoming more equal. Childhood Is childhood a fixed stage of life, or has it changed over time and place? Think about whether children today are more protected or more controlled.
May 23, 2025 at 1:32 PM
thesociologyguy.bsky.social
Education for AQA A level Sociology. Mix of all the content on the specification for the exams next week.
May 12, 2025 at 6:41 PM