Cambridge (CIE) O Level Sociology specification (2251)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Sociology exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) O Level Sociology specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) O Level Sociology (2251) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge O Level Sociology encourages learners to think critically about social, cultural and political issues, exploring the key concepts, theories and methods that underpin the discipline. The syllabus fosters an understanding of social structures, identities, inequalities and research methodology, enabling students to analyse how societies function and change. It aims to develop transferable skills such as evidence interpretation, evaluation, and sociological argumentation, while nurturing informed views on contemporary issues and social diversity.
Subject content breakdown
1. Research methods
- 1.1 How do sociologists approach the study of society?: Positivist and interpretivist approaches; combined methods; analysis of research choices.
- 1.2 What types of data and evidence do sociologists use?: Primary and secondary data; qualitative and quantitative data; secondary evidence sources; data analysis and interpretation.
- 1.3 How do sociologists investigate society?: Research design stages; sampling methods; primary research methods; types of questions; practical, theoretical and ethical considerations.
2. Identity: self and society
- 2.1 How do we learn our identity?: Social construction; nature–nurture debate; primary and secondary socialisation; agencies and processes of socialisation; sociological perspectives.
- 2.2 How does society control us?: Social control types; consensus and conflict views; formal and informal agencies; methods of control; resistance through protest groups and sub-cultures.
- 2.3 What influences our social identity?: Aspects of identity; the digital self; globalisation’s impact; postmodernist views.
3. Social stratification and inequality
- 3.1 What is social stratification?: Open and closed systems; life chances by age, gender, ethnicity, class; intersectionality; sociological theories on inequality.
- 3.2 What attempts have been made to reduce social inequalities?: Legislation, welfare states, NGO work; sociological critiques of inequality reduction.
- 3.3 How has globalisation affected inequalities between societies?: Migration impacts; global ecological issues; sociological explanations for global inequalities.
4. Family
- 4.1 What are the different types of families?: Family structures; diversity; sociological views on diversity; alternatives to the family; marriage types.
- 4.2 What is the role of the family for the individual and society?: Functionalist, Marxist and feminist views; family experience debates.
- 4.3 How is family life changing?: Demographic changes; industrialisation and urbanisation; patterns in marriage, divorce, cohabitation; changing family roles.
5. Education
- 5.1 What is education and schooling?: Formal and informal education; types of schools; alternative education approaches.
- 5.2 What are the roles and functions of education?: Functionalist, Marxist and feminist perspectives; strengths and limitations.
- 5.3 What factors help explain differences in educational achievement and experience?: Patterns and explanations based on social class, ethnicity, gender and global differences.
6. Crime, deviance and social control
- 6.1 What are crime, deviance and social control?: Definitions; formal and informal social control; types of crime; measuring crime.
- 6.2 What are the patterns of and explanations for crime and deviance?: Patterns by age, ethnicity, gender, class; sociological theories; strengths and limitations of explanations.
- 6.3 How is crime dealt with in different societies?: Aims and effectiveness of punishment; policing and law enforcement strategies.
Assessment structure
Paper 1 Research Methods, Identity and Inequality
- 2 hours; 80 marks.
- Question 1 (compulsory): Research methods with source-based questions and methodological evaluation.
- Question 2 or 3 (choice of one): Either Identity or Social stratification, with structured parts (a–f) requiring short answers, discussions, and short essays.
- Assesses knowledge, application, analysis and evaluation.
- Weighting: 50%.
Paper 2 Family, Education and Crime
- 1 hour 45 minutes; 80 marks.
- Candidates choose two questions from three: Family, Education, or Crime, each structured with parts (a–f).
- Questions assess short factual knowledge, application, structured discussions, and short essays.
- Weighting: 50%.
General notes
- Both papers are externally assessed.
- Paper 1 covers Research Methods, Identity, and Inequality (all compulsory topics).
- Paper 2 covers Family, Education, and Crime (two topics chosen by candidates).
- Questions assess a mix of knowledge, application, and evaluative skills with command words guiding the expected responses.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level Sociology isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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