Sociology overtakes traditional A-level subjects as more teenagers become interested in activism

• Read more: Tens of thousands will miss out on university places, expert says 

Sociology is outstripping traditional A-level subjects as more teenagers show an interest in activism.

Social sciences are booming in popularity with psychology now the second most popular A-level.

While Sociology has also risen to become the fifth most popular – up from ninth five years ago.

But analysis of private schools shows traditional and classical subjects are still the subject of choice at fee-charging schools, The Times reported.

Professor Alan Smithers of Buckingham University suggested the rise in interest in sociology was because the subject offers an ‘understanding of the structure of society and ways to change it, which makes it very attractive to activists’.

Social sciences are booming in popularity with psychology now the second most popular A-level

He told the paper: ‘Psychology has burgeoned. One can speculate that this great appeal has something to do with it appearing to offer insight into some of the great mysteries such as the nature of consciousness, what lies behind human behaviour, and making sense of human interaction.

‘Access to the meaning of life has become ever more important with the loss of religious faith in much of the western world.’

Analysis of last year’s figures broken down by subject shows private schools accounted for 89 per cent of candidates studying ancient Greek.

They also reportedly accounted for 89 per cent of candidates studying ancient Greek, 79 per cent in history of art and 74 per cent of Latin.

Source: Read Full Article