Belief systems: the big picture
Belief systems: the big picture

A belief system is a connected set of ideas, values and assumptions that explains the world and guides behaviour. Sociologists compare ideology, religion and science not only by asking whether they are true, but by asking who benefits from them and how they shape identity and power.
Step-by-step lessons on AQA A Level Sociology Ideology, science and religion. Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Build a strong grasp of the core sociological perspectives (functionalism, Marxism, feminism, interactionism) early, since they underpin evaluation across every topic and exam question.