Exam Board: AQA
Level & Subject: AS and A Level Sociology
Next exams: June 2026
The most up-to-date coverage and in-depth exam support for AQA A-level Sociology, from the bestselling authors of Sociology: Themes and Perspectives.
Book 2 provides in-depth coverage of AQA’s 2015 specifications, with chapters on Crime and deviance, Theory and methods and Beliefs in society.
- The clear, easy to navigate structure is precisely mapped to the AQA specification, with chapters offering the depth, detail and clarity that students need to analyse and evaluate at the highest levels.
- Support the full range of learners. Regular ‘Summary’ and ‘Key Terms’ boxes recap the main points and terminology for each section to consolidate understanding.
- Detailed evaluation throughout stretches those aiming for the highest grades. In ‘Now and Then’ features, the authors of groundbreaking sociological studies re-evaluate their own work in their own words, helping students assess its relevance to contemporary society.
- Build the skills required for exam success with A-level exam practice questions for each topic, supported by sample responses at different levels for each question and examiner guidance drawn from the findings of the first A-level exams.
- Up-to-date: each Student Book covers the latest research, theoretical developments and studies, as well as government policy. ‘Contemporary issues’ features present up-to-date case studies, articles and data with questions asking students to apply sociological ideas to contemporary society.
- Visually engaging: photographs with captions and activities draw students into topics, while panels from Sociology in Pictures give them a memorable snapshot of key methods and studies.
About the Author :
Michael Haralambos wrote Sociology: Themes and Perspectives in 1981. Now written with his co-author Martin Holborn, it is in its 8th edition. It has sold over two million copies and been translated into several languages. Michael founded Causeway Press which published a number of his sociology books along with his books on blues and soul music and critical thinking. His latest venture, the ground-breaking Sociology in Pictures, is available in print and online.
Martin Holborn is an experienced teacher and examiner of A Level, Access and degree level Sociology, and the author of numerous social science books including the last six editions of the bestselling Sociology: Themes and Perspectives with his co-author Michael Haralambos. He is currently an Associate Lecturer in Social Science at The Open University and a managing editor of Sociology Review.
Pauline Wilson has wide-ranging experience of teaching GCSE, AS and A Level Sociology and has authored several publications in the Collins GCSE Sociology series. She has also worked as a researcher on projects within the field of the sociology of education.
Tim Davies lectured in sociology and criminology at a college of further and higher education in the north west of England until recently. He has written for Sociology Review, Education Today and Tomorrow, Community Care, Compass and Discover Society. He has been an Associate Lecturer in Social Science with The Open University since 1981.
Review :
“I absolutely love Haralambos and Holborn for Sociology. These writes made me fall in love with Sociology as a student many years again and now as an A Level Sociology Teacher they are my go to bible for my lessons. Thank you Haralambos and Holborn… another fine couple books which bring the subject alive.” 5* Amazon review.
“Very current and an excellent revision book.” 5* Amazon review.
“These two books are probably the best introductions to sociology that I’ve come across. Haralambos and Holborn are well known for their earlier, one-volume work on sociology that became known amongst its readers as the ‘Blue Bible’. These two books continue in the same tradition.
The writing is always clear and easy to understand throughout, which is not usually the case with other, similar-type publications, where some topics often seem much more demanding than others. Haralambos and Holborn write in such a manner that many of the complexities of the subject seem almost to disappear, as each topic is clearly presented, explained and dissected, with lots of learning devices used within the texts to help consolidate one’s learning. Even when the topic is as demanding as methodology or sociological theory, these authors never fail to deliver. The books also cover a great deal sociological research, with both classical studies mixed in with up to date, recent research.
Like their earlier book (the book I used for my own studies some years back), these two volumes cover the whole syllabus. But not only that, they bring the subject to life, making it interesting and memorable for readers.
I would recommend these two books (Year 1 and 2) for anyone who is interested in this eye-opening subject. Great to finally have the work updated for the new syllabus.” 5* Amazon review.
