Question types are similar to those that appear on AQA A Level Sociology Paper 2 in the section ‘Families and Households’ (question examples here not endorsed by AQA).
OUTLINE and EXPLAIN questions – 10 marks
- Spend no more than 10 minutes on these questions.
- Outline (2 marks), lift to the EXPLAIN – more detail, examples, deeper knowledge (3 marks)
- Space
- Repeat – Outline (2 marks), lift to the EXPLAIN – more detail, examples, deeper knowledge (3 marks)
- Remember to make sure you offer TWO DISTINCT and DIFFERENT points, avoid repetition
- No introduction, no conclusion
Outline and explain two ways in which functionalist sociologists view the role of the family in maintaining social stability. (10 marks)
Outline and explain two criticisms that feminist sociologists have of the functionalist perspective on the family. (10 marks)
Outline and explain two ways in which functionalist sociologists argue that the family contributes to the socialization process. (10 marks)
Outline and explain two functions of the family according to functionalist sociologists. (10 marks)
Outline and explain two ways in which the functionalist perspective on the family has been challenged by contemporary sociologists. (10 marks)
ANALYSE questions with ITEM – 10 marks
- Spend no more than 10 minutes on these questions.
- The 10 mark ‘analysis’ questions may require you to –
- apply relevant concepts to the question
- apply relevant key terms to the question
- apply relevant key theories to the question
- apply relevant key studies to the question
- Analysis questions also want you to –
- explain and develop key ideas
- make effective use of the ITEM – we recommend two hooks, one in each paragraph
- Remember to make sure you offer TWO DISTINCT and DIFFERENT points, avoid repetition
- You shouldn’t bother with an introduction, but a brief concluding point is useful.
- Remember to leave an empty line between paragraphs / points
Item
Functionalist theorists argue that the family plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and stability by performing essential functions, such as socialization and providing emotional support.
Analyse two ways in which the family contributes to social stability, as suggested by functionalist theories. (10 marks)
Item
Functionalists believe that the nuclear family is the ideal family structure for modern industrial societies, as it is best suited to meeting the needs of a rapidly changing economy.
Analyse two ways in which the nuclear family is seen as beneficial for modern industrial societies, according to functionalist perspectives. (10 marks)
Item
According to functionalist theorists, the family is responsible for the primary socialization of children, which involves teaching them the norms, values, and roles needed to function in society.
Analyse two ways in which the family performs the function of primary socialization, as outlined by functionalist theories. (10 marks)
Item
Functionalists argue that the family serves to regulate sexual behaviour and reproduction, which helps to ensure the stability and continuity of society.
Analyse two ways in which the family regulates sexual behaviour and reproduction, as suggested by functionalist theories. (10 marks)
Item
Functionalist perspectives emphasize the importance of the family in providing emotional support and stability to its members, which contributes to overall social harmony.
Analyse two ways in which the family provides emotional support and stability, according to functionalist theories. (10 marks)
EVALUATE questions with ITEM – 20 marks
The Skill of Evaluation in A-Level Sociology
Evaluation is a crucial skill in A-Level Sociology. It involves critically assessing the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of sociological theories, research methods, and data. This skill is essential for demonstrating a deep understanding of sociological concepts and their application to real-world issues.
Key Elements of Evaluation:
- Strengths: Identifying the positive aspects of a theory, research method, or piece of data.
- Weaknesses: Pinpointing the limitations or shortcomings of a theory, research method, or piece of data.
- Limitations: Recognizing the boundaries or constraints of a theory, research method, or piece of data.
- Reliability: Assessing the consistency and dependability of a theory, research method, or piece of data.
- Validity: Determining the accuracy and truthfulness of a theory, research method, or piece of data.
- Generalizability: Evaluating the extent to which a theory, research method, or piece of data can be applied to broader populations or contexts.
How to Evaluate Effectively:
- Understand the Theory or Method: Have a solid grasp of the key concepts, assumptions, and methodologies involved.
- Consider Different Perspectives: Explore how other sociologists have evaluated the theory or method.
- Use Evidence: Support your evaluation with specific examples and data.
- Be Critical: Don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions and question the validity of claims.
- Structure Your Evaluation: Clearly present the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations in a logical and organized manner.
Examples of Evaluation in Sociology:
- Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of functionalist theories of society.
- Assessing the reliability and validity of survey research methods.
- Critiquing the limitations of case study research.
- Examining the generalizability of findings from small-scale studies.
For example
4 Read the ITEM and answer the question
| ITEM Functionalism is a consensus structuralist theory, which sees the source of crime and deviance located in the structure of society. Social order and cohesion are based on a value consensus, and the agencies of social control seek to protect this. Despite this, functionalists see some benefit in deviance. Variations on functionalism focus on strain and subcultures to explain crime in society. Critics of functionalism suggest it overlooks social patterns of crime linked to age, gender and ethnicity. Other critics suggest it offers no real explanation for white-collar or corporate crime. |
Applying material from the ITEM and your own knowledge to evaluate functionalist explanations of crime and deviance in society (30 marks)
Explain three HOOKS you could develop from this item
| 1 |
| 2 |
| 3 |
A good introduction to this question would include:
Context
Content
Answer
You should now apply P.E.R.C.Y to the question
i.e. – for the first paragraph
| P | Durkheim framed the original functionalist response to crime and deviance in the 19th century . . . |
| E | Early functionalists believed that crime and deviance had both positive and negative impacts on society . . . |
| R | For example . . . |
| C | However . . . |
| Y | Therefore . . . |
A good revision activity would include planning some or all of the questions below.
REMEMBER – in the exam, you should answer both 20 mark evaluation questions on Paper 2 FIRST
Item
Functionalist sociologists argue that the family is a key institution in society, performing essential functions such as socializing children and stabilizing adult personalities. They believe that the family contributes to the stability and continuity of society by maintaining social order and harmony. Other sociologists challenge this view and point to the ‘darker side’ of family life in issues such as abuse and domestic violence.
Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the functionalist perspective on the role of the family in maintaining social order and harmony. (20 marks)
Item
According to functionalist perspectives, the nuclear family is ideally suited to meet the needs of modern industrial societies. Functionalists argue that the nuclear family structure is efficient and effective in providing emotional support, socialization, and economic cooperation. Feminists, however, challenge this view and see the family as essentially protecting patriarchal norms and values.
Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the functionalist view that the nuclear family is the ideal family structure for modern industrial societies. (20 marks)
Item
Functionalist theorists claim that the family serves to regulate sexual behaviour and reproduction, which helps to ensure the stability and continuity of society. They believe that the family provides a stable environment for raising children and promoting social norms and values. Other sociologists, especially postmodernists, suggest that more diverse family types are equally successful in promoting diverse and stable societies.
Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the functionalist perspective on the role of the family in regulating sexual behaviour and reproduction. (20 marks)
Item
Functionalists argue that the family plays a crucial role in the socialization of children, teaching them the norms, values, and roles needed to function in society. They believe that the family is essential in preparing individuals to become productive members of society. Marxists frequently challenge this view and suggest that families are little more than institutions serving capitalism.
Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the functionalist perspective on the role of the family in the socialization of children. (20 marks)
Item
Functionalist perspectives emphasize the importance of the family in providing emotional support and stability to its members. They argue that the family contributes to overall social harmony by offering a secure and nurturing environment for individuals.
Applying material from the item and your own knowledge, evaluate the functionalist perspective on the role of the family in providing emotional support and stability. (20 marks)