Families and Households is currently the most popular optional topic for AQA A level Sociology and also an optional topic for OCR A level Sociology. As it deals with the everyday lives of individuals and their personal connections, many students opt for this module as it offers a sense of familiarity and eases students into the sociological study of society. However in recent years, the topic area has evolved (much like our personal lives have) and now deals with many complex theoretical issues.

What do I need to know?

The specification is broken down into 5 key points listed below. Under each heading, I have uploaded graphics that are linked to that particular specification point. There are more to follow as I continue to update the website and more located in the Revision Notes section of this website.

The relationship of the family to the social structure and social change, with particular reference to the economy and to state policies

Changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce, childbearing and the life course, including the sociology of personal life, and the diversity of contemporary family and household structures

Gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships within the family in contemporary society

The nature of childhood, and changes in the status of children in the family and society

Demographic trends in the United Kingdom since 1900: birth rates, death rates, family size, life expectancy, ageing population, and migration and globalisation.

I have also recorded a wide range of topic videos for Tutor2U on Families and Households which are all available free on their You Tube channel and through their website . A link to the playlist of the Families and Households videos is located below.