Cambridge International · International A Level · 9699
Sociology — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge International A Level Sociology (9699)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Cambridge International International A Level Sociology (9699)
Cambridge International International A Level Sociology (9699)
Cambridge International A Level Sociology (9699)
Cambridge 9699 (2026) covers sociological theory, research methods, the family, and an option from education, globalisation, media, or religion — A Level extends with greater theoretical evaluation and synoptic links.
Mark schemes: Cambridge A Level Sociology rewards explicit use of named theorists (Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Bourdieu) with concepts attached, balanced theoretical evaluation, and precise sociological terminology; generic 'common sense' answers without attribution lose A02/A03 marks.
Active recall: 0 / 22 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociological theory | Core | Functionalism | Society as integrated system meeting needs (Durkheim, Parsons) — value consensus. | |
| Sociological theory | Core | Marxism | Conflict theory — bourgeoisie exploit proletariat through capitalist relations of production. | |
| Sociological theory | Core | Feminism | Gender as primary axis of inequality — liberal, Marxist, and radical strands. | |
| Sociological theory | Core | Interpretivism vs positivism | Verstehen and meaning vs scientific measurement of social facts. | |
| Sociological theory | Advanced | Social action theory (Weber) | Behaviour explained by actors' subjective meanings and rationality types. | |
| Research methods | Core | Primary vs secondary data | Researcher-collected vs pre-existing sources. | |
| Research methods | Core | Quantitative vs qualitative | Numerical/statistical vs textual/meaning-based data. | |
| Research methods | Core | Validity | Whether the method measures what it claims to measure. | |
| Research methods | Core | Reliability | Consistency of results when the method is repeated. | |
| Research methods | Advanced | Representativeness & ethics | Sample reflects target population; informed consent, confidentiality, no harm. | |
| Family | Core | Nuclear family | Two-generation household of parents and dependent children. | |
| Family | Core | Extended & lone-parent families | Three+ generations or kin co-residence; single adult with children. | |
| Family | Core | Murdock's four functions | Sexual, reproductive, economic, educational — universal nuclear family. | |
| Family | Core | Marxist & feminist views | Family reproduces capitalism (Zaretsky); patriarchal oppression of women (Delphy). | |
| Family | Advanced | Wilmott & Young symmetrical family | March of progress: pre-industrial, early industrial, symmetrical, asymmetrical — joint conjugal roles. | |
| Family | Advanced | Postmodern family | Diverse, fluid family forms reflecting individual choice (Stacey). | |
| Education / Globalisation / Religion | Core | Functionalist Durkheim on education | Schools transmit shared norms and provide role allocation. | |
| Education / Globalisation / Religion | Core | Bowles & Gintis hidden curriculum | Schools reproduce capitalism by teaching obedience and hierarchy. | |
| Education / Globalisation / Religion | Core | Bourdieu cultural capital | Middle-class knowledge, taste, and language privileged in schools. | |
| Education / Globalisation / Religion | Core | Marketisation | Choice, diversity, and competition policies that treat education as a quasi-market. | |
| Education / Globalisation / Religion | Core | Secularisation | Decline in religious belief, practice, and institutional authority. | |
| Education / Globalisation / Religion | Advanced | Weber's Protestant ethic | Calvinist asceticism provided spirit conducive to rational capitalism. |
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Sociology (9699) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Cambridge International A Level Sociology keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important sociology terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Cambridge International A Level Sociology (9699) (9699). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Sociology glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for A Level Sociology (9699) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Sociology.
- Can I download this Sociology keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Sociology list aligned to the 9699 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Cambridge International A Level Sociology (9699) for Cambridge International A Level. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Sociology at A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.