UNITS 1 & 2
The social category of youth and how
the definition has changed over time
How biological and psychological
definitions of youth differ from a
sociological construct.
The sociological concept of an
institution and the place and role of
family as a social institution.
WHAT WILL I LEARN
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
Sociology focuses on the study of human
behaviour and social interaction to understand
how societies are organised, develop and
change.
VCE Sociology introduces students to
sociological theory, practice and
interpretation. There is no single sociological
perspective, rather, there are several theories
that offer different ways of understanding
human society. Sociologists use these
theories and frameworks in a complementary
way to attempt to objectively examine social
issues and explain concepts.
In VCE Sociology students examine key
theories regarding family, deviance, ethnicity,
community and social movements.
VCE Sociology provides valuable knowledge
and skills for participation in everyday life. It
develops a capacity for detailed observation
of social patterns and group behaviour, and
encourages students to become aware of and
to think about daily life and activities, as well
as wider social issues, from a sociological
perspective.
Sociology is a science but, unlike natural
sciences and like the humanities, it is deeply
concerned with interpretation and meaning.
VCE - Sociology (Units 1 & 2)
P A G E 5 4 | P A K E N H A M S E C O N D A R Y C O L L E G E S E N I O R S C H O O L 2 0 2 6 H A N D B O O K
UNITS 1 & 2
Definitions of family in its various
forms including couples with children
(for example, heterosexual or gender
and sexuality diverse), couples only,
single parent families, grandparents
looking after grandchildren, step or
blended families, extended families
and cohabitation (for example, sibling
families).
Functionalist and feminist views of
family
Deviance as a relative concept and
the relationship between norms
(social codes) and deviance.
Emile Durkheim’s functionalist theory
of deviance.
Howard S. Becker’s interactionist
theory of deviance involving the
meaning and process of labelling.
The meaning of the phenomenon of
moral panic and its impact on
individuals and groups considered
deviant.
The sociological concept of crime,
including crimes against the person,
crimes against property, victimless
crime, white-collar crime and
corporate crime and the relationship
between norms (social codes), law
and crime.
The international nature of some
types of crime, such as the illegal
drug trade, people trafficking and
terrorism Unit 2: Social norms:
breaking the code VCE Sociology
2018–2023 14.
A range of factors that lead people to
commit crimes, including poverty,
addiction, abuse, and rebellion.
The sociological concept of
punishment, including the rationale
and aims of punishment.