A-Level Sociology Paper 4 Three Options: What to Study in Globalization, Media, and Religion, and How to Choose at Least Two
Cambridge 9699 Sociology Paper 4 has the highest weighting among all papers, and candidates must study at least two of the three options: Globalization, Media, and Religion. Based on the 2027–2028 syllabus, this article explains the assessment format for Paper 4, all themes and key points for the three options, and methods for choosing options and preparing.
Cambridge International A Level Sociology (9699) has two papers at the A Level stage: Paper 3 Education (compulsory) and Paper 4 Globalization, Media, and Religion. Paper 4 has the highest proportion of analysis and evaluation in the entire course. It consists of only two 35-mark essays, and candidates must study at least two of the three topics: Globalization, Media, and Religion. This article, based on the 9699 syllabus (2027 and 2028, version 2), explains what each topic covers, how to choose, and how to prepare. For the exam structure and essay writing tips, see How to Write A Level Sociology Essays. Since the Pearson website does not have an IAL Sociology page, this article focuses only on Cambridge.
1. How Paper 4 is Assessed
- Duration and marks: 1 hour 45 minutes, 70 marks, accounting for 29% of the A Level;
- Structure: Three sections: Globalization, Media, and Religion. Each section has two essay questions, making six in total. Candidates answer two questions, which must come from different sections; each question is worth 35 marks;
- Requirements: Extended essays assessing AO1, AO2, and AO3. The syllabus requires candidates to explore contrasting perspectives or evidence to demonstrate understanding of the issues involved;
- Weighting: AO3 (Analysis and Evaluation) accounts for 43% in Paper 4, the highest among the four papers;
- Study requirements: The syllabus states that A Level candidates must study all content from Papers 1–3, as well as at least two of the three topics in Paper 4.
2. Topic 1: Globalization
The syllabus states that this topic links the local and the global (a "glocalization" perspective) and focuses on emerging areas in sociology, such as new forms of global crime, global inequality, and recent patterns of global migration.
| Topic | Syllabus Content (Excerpt) |
|---|---|
| Perspectives on Globalization | Definitions and issues of globalization, glocalization, and global culture; cultural, political, and economic dimensions; who benefits from globalization: perspectives from Marxism, feminism, postmodernism, globalism, skepticism, and transformationalism |
| Globalization and Identity | Ethnic revival, cultural defense, hybrid identities; cultural divergence and convergence; Western ideology and "Westernization" |
| Globalization, Power, and Politics | Spread of liberal democracy and human rights; global social movements and anti-globalization; the role of the nation-state in addressing global social and environmental issues |
| Globalization, Poverty, and Inequality | Impact on life chances in developing countries regarding education, income, and health; the role and effectiveness of transnational organizations; explanations including capitalism, colonialism, post-colonialism, and patriarchy |
| Globalization and Migration | Causes of migration (push and pull factors, global labor, tourism, etc.) and positive and negative consequences; who benefits from migration |
| Globalization and Crime | Emergence of global crimes such as human trafficking, corporate crime, and environmental crime; Marxist and feminist explanations of "who benefits"; benefits and challenges of globalization and new technologies for policing and prosecution |
3. Topic 2: Media
The syllabus states that this topic examines how new developments such as new media are changing the media, where power lies within the media, and how individuals are influenced by it.
| Topic | Syllabus Content (Excerpt) |
|---|---|
| Traditional and New Media | Cross-media ownership, digitalization, media conglomerates, social media; who controls the media; differences between old and new media; whether traditional media is undermined by new media |
| Media Theories and Influences on Content | Pluralist, Marxist, and neo-Marxist theories; selection and presentation of news; mass manipulation and hegemony; contributions of postmodernism; censorship; media influence on the political process (agenda setting, opinion polls, news reporting) |
| Impact of New Media | New media and globalization; new media's challenge to existing power structures; digital optimism and digital pessimism; impact on social identity and interpersonal relationships |
| Representation of Class, Gender, Ethnicity, and Age Groups | How different groups are represented; media and gender socialization; moral panics; media and popular culture |
| Models of Media Effects | Direct effects models (e.g., hypodermic syringe model); indirect effects models (uses and gratifications, two-step flow, normative model, cultural effects model); strengths and weaknesses of each model; the extent to which human behavior is influenced by the media |
| Media Influence on Behavior | Whether violent media leads to violent behavior; deviance amplification and moral panics; positive effects of the media; impact of sensationalism and stereotypes |
4. Topic 3: Religion
The syllabus states that this topic examines the role of religion in society, the nature of religious movements, and the factors influencing the level of religious commitment among specific groups.
| Topic | Syllabus Content (Excerpt) |
|---|---|
| Religion and Society | Definitions of religion; difficulties in measuring religious belief; class, gender, ethnicity, age, and religious commitment; religion and other belief systems |
| Religion and Social Order | Functionalism: how religion maintains social order and solidarity; Marxism: religion, oppression, and capitalism; strengths and weaknesses of both perspectives |
| Religion as an Agent of Social Change | Weber's theories on religion and the rise of capitalism, along with other views; liberation theology; the impact of religious movements on politics (syllabus examples: the evangelical movement in US politics, the influence of Ayatollahs in the Iranian Revolution) |
| The Secularization Debate | Theories of secularization; evidence for the decline of religious belief; whether rationalization leads to a decline in belief; whether religion has lost its social significance |
| Gender, Feminism, and Religion | Feminist perspectives; explanations of patriarchy and gender inequality in religion; religious organizations moving towards gender equality, and evidence that religious practice may benefit women |
| Religion and Postmodernity | Growth of privatized religion; "spiritual shopping"; resacralization; new religious movements and New Age thinking; various explanations for the rise of fundamentalism (cultural defense, cultural transition, disengagement, marginalization, religious revival) |
5. How to Choose a Topic
Here are some practical recommendations:
- You only answer two questions and must study at least two topics: Studying two is the minimum requirement; studying three gives you more flexibility in the exam, but requires more revision;
- Connection with AS content: In the Media and Religion topics, perspectives such as functionalism, Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism overlap with the family and socialization content from the AS stage;
- Relevance to future majors: For students interested in international relations, development studies, or economics, the Globalization topic is more relevant; for those leaning towards media, journalism, or marketing, the Media topic is more suitable;
- Check your school's arrangement: Your school may only offer two of these topics.
6. How to Prepare for a Topic
Here are some practical recommendations:
- Organize by syllabus points: For each point, write down the main arguments, key sociologists and studies, and common criticisms;
- Organize "debates": The syllabus frequently uses phrases like "debates about" and "the extent to which." Prepare arguments and evidence for both sides of each debate;
- Collect contemporary examples: There are many contemporary phenomena in globalization, new media, and religious change that can be used as evidence;
- Link with key concepts: The syllabus highlights relevant key concepts in the description of each topic (power, control, and resistance; social change and development; structure and agency, etc.), which can serve as analytical angles for your essays;
- Practice 35-mark essays: Spend about 50 minutes on each essay, focusing on evaluation (see article 192).
Final Thoughts
Paper 4 has the highest proportion of evaluation in the Sociology A Level. For all three topics—Globalization, Media, and Religion—the syllabus organizes content around "debates." By mastering at least two topics, organizing perspectives and evidence according to the syllabus, and linking them with key concepts, you will have solid material for your 35-mark essays. If you need A Level Sociology tutoring, feel free to chat with our teachers.
Verification note: This article was verified in September 2026. Information regarding the duration, marks, weighting, structure, answering requirements, and AO3 weighting of Paper 4, the requirement for A Level candidates to study at least two topics in Paper 4, as well as the descriptions and topic content for Globalization, Media, and Religion, is sourced from Cambridge International's "Sociology 9699 syllabus for 2027 and 2028" (version 2, April 2026). The content in the tables is our excerpted translation of the syllabus. The recommendations for choosing topics and preparation methods are based on our practical experience.
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