What Is IGCSE Sociology?

Choosing your IGCSE subjects can feel overwhelming. With so many options on the table, you might be wondering what IGCSE Sociology involves, and whether it is the right fit for you.

Here's the thing: many students skip over sociology simply because they don't understand what it is. That's a shame, because it's one of the most relevant and eye-opening subjects you can study. It helps you make sense of the world around you, from why certain groups face inequality, to how your peer group shapes your identity.

This guide explains exactly what to expect from IGCSE Sociology — what you’ll study, how it’s assessed, and why it might be the perfect subject for you.

At Save My Exams, we specialise in turning tricky courses into simple, easy-to-understand resources. We've helped thousands of IGCSE students navigate their revision, and we know exactly what makes this subject tick.

Key Takeaways

Here's what you'll learn from this article:

• What Sociology is and why it matters in everyday life

• The main topics you'll study in IGCSE Sociology

• How the course is assessed, including exam formats and question types

• The skills you'll develop, from critical thinking to essay writing

• Whether IGCSE Sociology is right for you, including how it compares to similar subjects

What Is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of society and how people behave within it.

Sociologists look at how social groups—like families, schools, workplaces and communities—shape who we are. They explore big questions about culture, identity, power, and inequality.

Instead of focusing on individual behaviour (like psychology does), sociology looks at patterns across whole societies. For example:

• Instead of asking, “Why is this student struggling?”, a sociologist might ask, “Why do students from certain backgrounds achieve lower grades?”

Here's why it's so relevant to your life:

• It helps you understand why families look different across cultures

• It shows how social media shapes your identity and friendships

• It reveals why some groups face discrimination

• It explores how the education system can advantage some people more than others

Sociology isn't just theoretical. It's about understanding the real world you live in every day.

What Will You Study in IGCSE Sociology?

IGCSE Sociology covers a wide range of interesting and relatable topics. While each exam board is slightly different, most courses include the same main areas:

• Families: How family life is changing, and the different types of family structures that exist

• Education: What schools are for, how they work, and why some students achieve more than others

• Crime and Deviance: What counts as crime, why people break rules, and how society reacts

• Social Inequality: How class, gender, and ethnicity affect people’s life chances

• Research Methods: How sociologists collect data and carry out studies

Each topic encourages you to think critically about the world around you. You'll explore different perspectives, analyse evidence, and develop your own informed opinions.

For a deeper dive into each topic, check out our IGCSE Sociology topics guide, which breaks down the key concepts and theories you'll need to know.

How Is IGCSE Sociology Assessed?

IGCSE Sociology is assessed through written exams — usually two papers.

Each paper tests slightly different skills, but across both you’ll face:

• short-answer questions where you define concepts or explain examples

• data in the form of graphs, tables, or research studies which you will need to interpret

• extended responses or essays during which you will build an argument and back it up with evidence

Exams assess three key skill areas:

• Knowledge: Can you recall and explain sociological ideas accurately?

• Application: Can you use those ideas to explain real-life examples?

• Evaluation: Can you weigh up arguments and reach a balanced conclusion?

Understanding these skill areas early helps you plan your revision effectively. Our IGCSE Sociology revision resources can help you practise exam-style questions and improve your technique.

Skills You'll Learn in IGCSE Sociology

Sociology gives you skills that go far beyond the classroom.

• Critical thinking: You’ll learn to question assumptions, challenge stereotypes, and look at issues from multiple angles

• Analysing evidence: You’ll interpret data, identify patterns, and decide whether conclusions are supported by research

• Essay writing: You’ll practise building logical, well-structured arguments backed up by evidence

• Understanding society: You’ll gain insight into how culture, power, and inequality shape people’s lives

These are valuable life skills that will help you in any career — and make you a more thoughtful, informed person.

Is IGCSE Sociology Right for You?

Not every subject suits every student, and that's okay. So how do you know if sociology is a good fit?

You might enjoy IGCSE Sociology if you:

• are curious about how society works

• enjoy debating different ideas and viewpoints

• like linking what you study to real-world issues

• are good at writing essays

• want to understand topics like inequality, education, and crime in more depth

Sociology links closely with other subjects:

• History looks at how societies change over time

• Geography focuses on people and places

• Citizenship explores politics and rights

• Psychology studies individual behaviour

If you enjoy these, you’ll probably find sociology engaging too.

Looking ahead, IGCSE Sociology is excellent preparation for A Level Sociology, as well as related courses like A Level Politics, Psychology, or Social Policy. It's also a strong foundation if you're interested in careers in social work, education, law, journalism, or public policy.

In short, if you’re someone who constantly asks “why?” about the world — Sociology was made for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IGCSE Sociology hard?

IGCSE Sociology is challenging, but it's also very manageable if you stay on top of your work.

The subject requires you to remember key concepts and theories, but it's not about rote memorisation. You need to understand ideas well enough to apply them to different examples and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

Essay writing can feel tricky at first, especially if you're not used to structuring arguments. But with practice and feedback, most students improve quickly.

The key to success is staying engaged with the material and practising exam-style questions regularly.

What's the difference between Sociology and Psychology?

Both study behaviour, but from different angles:

• Psychology looks at individuals — how the mind works and what influences personal behaviour

• Sociology looks at groups — how social structures, culture, and institutions shape behaviour

For example, a psychologist might study why someone feels anxious, while a sociologist would ask how social class or gender affects confidence levels.

Both subjects are fascinating, and some students choose to study both at IGCSE or A Level because they complement each other well.

Can I take IGCSE Sociology without any background knowledge?

Yes, absolutely!

You don’t need any prior experience. Everything you need to know is taught during the course; all you need is curiosity and an open mind.

Most students come into sociology with no knowledge of the subject, and that's perfectly normal. Your teachers will guide you through the key concepts from the ground up.

Final Thoughts

IGCSE Sociology is one of the most eye-opening subjects you can study.  

It helps you understand the world around you — how people live, what shapes behaviour, and why societies change. You’ll learn to think critically, argue clearly, and see beyond stereotypes.

If you’re curious about people and enjoy making sense of real-world issues, IGCSE Sociology could be the perfect choice for you.

Ready to get started? Explore our IGCSE Sociology revision resources to see the full list of topics and start preparing for success.