Student responses with examiner commentary AS SOCIOLOGY

Transcription

1 Student responses with examiner commentary AS SOCIOLOGY 7191/2 RESEARCH METHODS AND TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY The following student responses should be used in conjunction with the Specimen Assessment Materials for AS Sociology (7191) which are available on the AQA website. They provide teachers with the best opportunity to understand the application of the mark scheme. Please note that the students responses have been typed exactly as they were written. aqa.org.uk Copyright 2016 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (registered charity number ) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number ). Registered address: AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX 31 March 2016

2 Question 01 Outline two problems of using structured interviews in sociological research. [4 marks] Mark scheme Two marks for each of two appropriate problems clearly outlined or one mark for appropriate problems partially outlined, such as: inflexible wording of questions (1 mark) may result in the interviewee misunderstanding questions (+1 mark) unsuitability for studying sensitive/personal topics (1 mark) because rapport and trust cannot easily be established (+1 mark) questions are decided in advance (1 mark), so they reflect the researcher s priorities and not the interviewee s (+1 mark) status differences between interviewee and interviewer (1 mark) may lead to interviewee seeking to impress rather than answer honestly (+1 mark). Other relevant material should be credited. No marks for no relevant points. Student response A It is time consuming. Interviewer bias, therefore not valid. Examiner Commentary First point in comparison to what? Usually quick. Partial answer in second point needs to explain why this might be the case such as fixed questions. 1 mark awarded Student response B Not able to ask follow up questions. People have to give restricted answers Examiner Commentary Both points are partial answers and need further explanation on why they are problems. 2

3 Student response C There will be no time for interviewee s to ask questions because of a fixed schedule. No rapport is built. Examiner Commentary Not quite answered the question in the first point chance instead of time. Second point is a partial answer and needs to explain why. 1 mark awarded Student response D There is no rapport built. There is less flexibility due to having a fixed set of questions. Examiner Commentary First point is a partial answer why is no rapport built? Second point is also a partial answer and so? Student response E Rapport is harder to obtain with structural interviews meaning validity may not be easily obtainable. Information obtained won t be too helpful because of the restrictive nature. Examiner Commentary Second point is a partial answer that needs to be explained, such as fixed answers. 1 mark awarded Student response F They are inflexible so interviewees cannot elaborate, therefore data collected is not valid. No rapport is established between the interviewer and interviewees. 3

4 Examiner Commentary First point is an appropriate problem. Second point lacks full explanation. 3 marks awarded Student response G There is no room for further answers/elaborations. Interviewer and interviewee cannot build up a rapport. Examiner Commentary Two partial problems. First point needs to be explained. And so? What is the effect? (second point) 4

5 Question 02 Evaluate the problems of using participant observation in sociological research. [16 marks] Mark scheme Marks Level descriptors Sound, conceptually detailed knowledge of a range of relevant material on some of the problems of using participant observation (PO). Good understanding of the question and of the presented material. Appropriate material applied accurately to the issues raised by the question. There will be some reasonable evaluation or analysis Broad or deep, accurate but incomplete knowledge of a range of problems of PO. Understands a number of significant aspects of the question; reasonable understanding of the presented material. Application of material is largely explicitly relevant to the question, though some material may be inadequately focused. There will be some limited evaluation or analysis, eg of reasons for loss of objectivity in PO. 7 9 Largely accurate knowledge but limited range and depth, eg a basic account of a few practical problems of using PO. Understands some aspects of the question; superficial understanding of the presented material. Applying listed material from the general topic area but with limited regard for its relevance to the issues raised by the question, or applying a narrow range of more relevant material. Answers are unlikely to have any evaluation but may have some limited analysis within a largely descriptive account. 4 6 Limited undeveloped knowledge, eg two to three insubstantial points about some features of PO. Understands only very limited aspects of the question; simplistic understanding of the presented material. Limited application of suitable material, and/or material often at a tangent to the demands of the question, eg drifting into advantages of using PO. Very limited or no evaluation. Attempts at analysis, if any, are thin and disjointed. 1 3 Very limited knowledge, eg one to two very insubstantial points about PO or about methods in general. Very little/no understanding of the question and of the presented material. Significant errors, omissions, and/or incoherence in application of material. No analysis or evaluation. 0 No relevant points. 5

6 Indicative content Concepts and issues such as the following may appear: practical, ethical and theoretical issues, including reliability, validity, representativeness, bias/subjectivity, qualitative data, interpretivism, positivism; time, cost, getting in, staying in, getting out, nature of the group under study, researcher s personal characteristics; deceit, informed consent, anonymity, harm; overt versus covert research. Student response A There are many problems using participant observation in your sociological research. Things that have to be taken into consideration are the access, time, money, deception, protection and loads of others. A practical strengths question asks for strengths is that there isn t really any money involved when trying to participant observe the individuals involved and also the researcher will have the skills required to successfully research the participants such as role play, communication and confidence. However there are many weaknesses practically such as the access not really linked to PO this is problem for any method to the participants such as younger children, you will need consent from the school and parents, also it will tend to be more successful when observing using a longitudinal Study which will make it very time consuming. Ethical strengths question asks for strengths are that the participant will be given full protection from the Sociologist conducting the research as it will be seen as unethical if not done so. There are many more weaknesses than strengths such as the participants being being the right to withdraw because if the participants know they are being observed, hawthorne effect may occur which will make the data invalid. They also won t be able to get the consent from the participants as it will ruin the study. A theoretical strength (not theoretical) is that participant observation is a qualitative data which creates an indepth valid picture into the participants. However qualitative data can also be seen as very time consuming which can be very negative as it will be difficult to collect the data, where in questionnaires you just have to add up the number of answers. To conclude there is both many strengths and weaknesses but problems have been more weighed out due to the links between ethical and practical strengths. A limited answer which covers strengths before problems of the method. These strengths could possibly be used evaluatively but they should not be the main focus of the response. The answer does not seem to have a clear understanding of participant observation. The ethical point about access would apply to any method. There is a limited attempt to compare covert / overt participant observation but this is not explicit or developed. 5 marks awarded 6

7 Student response B Participant observation is when a researcher takes part in every day life of the group whilst observing it. Participant observation is an primary research method that collects qualitative data. There are many problems which can arise when using participant observation as a research method. These can be either practical, ethical or theoretical however there are strengths to this method as well as problems. There are many practical problems when using participant observations when conducting sociological research. The first problem which may arise could be time. Participant observations are very time consuming as it takes time to find out about the group and then more time to get involved in the group. However, an advantage of this problem would be that the researcher has full knowledge of the group as they have had a long time to full understand the group. The researcher also needs to have good researcher characteristics as they need to fit in with the crowd like Parker s study view from the boys. The researcher also needs to get access from the gate keeper which is usually the group leader of the group being researched. This means that to conduct the sociological research is very costly. However an advantage would be that the researcher collects reliable deep research. As well as this, the researcher has to have good personal skills as they would usually be researching a variety of people. Even though there are many practical problems of participant observations it means the researcher gets quality, deep, reliable data. As well as practical problems, there are also ethical problems. The first big problem with participant observations is deception. As the researcher may not be getting consent from the group being research deceiving them may be an issue if the group finds out. Sensitivity isn t as big of a problem as deception however they may be sensitive as if they find out, emotions may be high due to the deception caused. Also, the researcher needs to get involved in the group however they may get themselves in trouble due to going native. This is shown through Patrick s study Glasgow Gang. Although there are many problems with participant observations there are also ethical advantages. There are also theoretical problems which may also occur such as the researcher may lose their objectivity by becoming too alike the group they are studying. This means that it is hard to make some basic generalizations from their findings as they are too involved to conduct the research properly. The researcher may also have too much empathy which is known as verstehen. As well as this, if the group being researched knows, whether it is overt or covert they may answer socially desirable questions. As well as this, if they know about the research, the Hawthorne effect may occur. This is when they act differently because they know they are being watched. Overall, there are many problems which arise when using participant observations to conduct sociological research. In order for the researcher to gain better research they could use triangulation, a combination of methods to gain valid results. The concepts of primary research and qualitative data are covered in the first paragraph, with an attempt to evaluate by giving strengths in the second paragraph. The third paragraph is better as it focuses on problems, but the example is not fully developed. The fourth paragraph does not accurately differentiate between covert / overt. 7

8 The answer overall lists some concepts although not always developed. Some range of practical, ethical, and theoretical. 11 marks awarded Student response C Participant observation (PO) involves the researcher getting involved in the topic or group they are researching. PO is favoured mainly by interpretivists who argue that it will produce qualitative valid data. However there are many problems which sociologists face. A practical issue associated with PO is how does the sociologist get to be involved with the group? Many groups do not want people investigating them. Deviant sub-cultures or powerful government ministers are unlikely to want to have a sociologist recording and observing their every move. This would mean a sociologists would have to take a covert role to be able to observe these groups. This would be difficult as taking on a particular role inside government would be very difficult and a role in a criminal gang may be illegal. Once a researcher has gained access to a group a further problem will be staying in the group and then subsequently getting out of the group. Even when a sociologist is accepted into a group they have to keep up an act so as not to blow their cover. Becoming closely involved in a group such as a gang also present the problem of getting out. Leaving a gang may mean the members realise your role and may threaten you afterwards. A further problem is that by getting involved with the group the observer may become attached to them. This means that they will stop observing them neutrally and they will become biased. If this happens the observer will lose validity and objectivity. Positivists believe that all observation is invalid because it depends on the subjective view of the observer but participant observation makes the problem much worse. However, this problem could be overcome if the participant took regular breaks from the group. This would allow them to become more detached. Another problem for participant observation is a practical one. If the observer is getting involved in the group it is difficult to record the data. This means that the sociologist will have to remember what happens and what is said and then write it down later. This means that the truth or validity will be undermined. This is particularly the case with recording data from covert participant observation. At least with overt observation the sociologist can record openly. However Dutton as a covert researcher had to go to the toilet at frequent times to make notes and this caused a lot of suspicion. Another problem with participant observation is that the researcher could face ethical problems and they could become involved in illegal or immoral acts. If they were studying a criminal gang they may have to break the law. As part of a covert participant observation Whyte had to invade people s privacy breaking ethical guidelines. These ethical problems could be overcome by taking an overt role. The sociologist can then say that they do not want to take part in deviant acts although the sociologist may still encounter illegal acts, such as Venkatesh did in his work with gangs. Another problem with participant observation is that it produces qualitative data and the transcript could go on for hundreds of pages. This is hard to analyse and is criticised by positivists. However some positivists have used participant observation. They have used a tick 8

9 list of incidents and behaviours to create quantitative data which can be used to compare at a glance. The answer covers several problems of participant observation practical, ethical and theoretical. There is analysis of the points made and in some cases evaluation. Answer covers: getting in, staying in, getting out, validity, bias / subjectivity, qualitative data, overt versus covert, nature of Groups. Includes some studies to support the points made. Shows understanding of material. Material is appropriately applied to the question. Lacking on evaluative conclusion. 14 marks awarded 9

10 Question 03 Define the term folk culture. [2 marks] Mark scheme Two marks for a satisfactory definition such as: the norms and values of traditional/preindustrial societies or customs that emerge directly from the experiences of the people. One mark for a partial definition such as: traditions or customs. No marks for no/unsatisfactory definition. Student response The expressive components of everyday life, by localized, traditional-bound groups. Partial definition given. 1 mark awarded 10

11 Question 04 Using one example, briefly explain how parents may socialise their children into gender roles. [2 marks] Mark scheme Two marks for a clearly explained example or one mark for a partially explained example, such as: parents may socialise their children into gender roles by dressing sons and daughters differently (1 mark) which encourages them to associate themselves with a particular gender (+1 mark) parents may socialise their children into gender roles by encouraging different activities of daughters and sons (1 mark) such as ballet lessons for daughters and football for sons (+1 mark) parents may socialise their children into gender roles through role models (1 mark) such as the mother being the main carer and the father the main breadwinner (+1 mark). Other relevant material should be credited. No marks for no relevant points. Student response A Parents can buy colour specific clothes to stereotypes of gender e.g. pink for girls and blue for boys. This answer lacks development in the respect of impact. 1 mark awarded Student response B One example of how parents may socialise their children into gender roles, is the sort of clubs they may incurrage their children to join. For example boys would be encurage to join a football club and girls encouraged to join a dance club. A clearly explained example like bullet point two of the mark scheme. 11

12 Question 08 Define the term expressive role. [2 marks] Mark scheme Two marks for a satisfactory definition, such as: responsibility for providing warmth, security and emotional support. One mark for a partial definition such as: the housewife role or only an example given. No marks for no/unsatisfactory definition. Student response A The role that a female has in the family, usually emotional and housework. Partial answer. 1 mark awarded Student response B The women take on this role in the family and they deal with the emotional side in the family. Partial answer. 1 mark awarded Student response C The women take on this role, this role means they deal with the emotional side of the family. Partial answer. 12

13 1 mark awarded Student response D Housewife role looking after the needs of the house not financially but emotionally. Just enough for full marks. Student response E The expressive role is what the female does, it involves dealing with the emotion work and the housework. Student response F A role which is usually a females to look after emotion work and household work. Student response G A role involving housework and emotion work which is usually fulfilled by a woman. 13

14 Student response H The term expressive role is the care giving and emotional work within a household, which is usually the role of the mother. Student response I The term Expressive Role describes a role within the family that looks after the needs of the family at an emotional level. Student response J The expressive role is traditionally performed by women whereby the care for the needs and emotions of particularly vulnerable family members such as children and the elderly. Satisfactory definition.. Student response K A role believed to be kept by women to stay at home and take care of family members and do housework. Partial definition. 1 mark awarded 14

15 Student response L Primarily responsible for socialisation of children and support of the family s emotional needs. Usually seen as the female s role. Satisfactory definition. Student response M Usually the women in a relationship, who takes care of housework and childcare e.g. Housewife role. Partial definition. 1 mark awarded Student response N Expressive role is dealing with the families problems and emotions. Partial definition. 1 mark awarded Student response O The expressive role is typically the mothers role within the family, the role is to deal with conflicts and emotion work. 15

16 Satisfactory definition. Student response P The expressive role is one that is steriotypically female dominated and involves looking after family members and doing emotion work. Satisfactory definition. 16

17 Question 09 Using one example, briefly explain how migration may affect family diversity. [2 marks] Mark scheme Two marks for a clearly explained example or one mark for a partially explained example, such as: the number of extended families (1 mark) many ethnic groups coming to the United Kingdom have a tradition of living in an extended family (+1 mark) the number of children in a family (1 mark) many migrating families have a greater than average number of children (+1 mark) attitudes to marriage (1 mark) some ethnic groups may uphold traditional attitudes to marriage and are reluctant to divorce (+1 mark). Other relevant material should be credited. No marks for no relevant points. Student response A Afro-Caribbean families are mainly matrifocal single parent families. Partial needs to be explained. 1 mark awarded Student response B More African-Caribbean families would move to the UK and they tend to be matrifocal families increasing SPF. 17

18 Student response C African Caribbean families are matrifocal SPF s. Partial answer. 1 mark awarded Student response D African-Caribbean families increase the family diversity by increasing matrifocal families. Student response E African Caribbean families tend to be matrifocal, meaning female headed, which is a form of single parent families. Not linked to migration. 1 mark awarded Student response F EU expansion has led to an influx in Polish migrants, these Polish Migrants are usually single person families which has increased family diversity. Inaccurate. No marks awarded 18

19 Student response G Afro-Caribbean families tend to be matrifocal single parent families. Partial answer. 1 mark awarded Student response H Over 90% of African Caribbean Families are Matrifocal, which means headed by a woman. Therefore this affected the number of matrifocal families in UK because of migrating families. Clearly explained answer. Student response I Increase in migration introduces cultural diversity and alternate family structures, for example, 50% of African-Caribbean families are matrifocal (female headed) single parent families. Explained example. Student response J Afro carribeans have matrifocal SPFs. 19

20 Partial answer not fully explained. 1 mark awarded Student response K More extended south Asian families. (because its less expensive) Partial answer needs to be explained. 1 mark awarded Student response L Migration can effect family diversity because different cultures have different family forms. For example Asian families are usually extended families. Clearly explained example fits with bullet point one of mark scheme. Student response M Migration can increase family diversity by introducing new family types and structures into the UK. Does not address the question. No marks awarded 20

21 Question 10 Outline three reasons for the increase in single person households. [6 marks] Mark scheme Two marks for each of three appropriate reasons clearly outlined or one mark for appropriate reasons partially outlined, such as: increase in divorce (1 mark) may mean that one parent lives alone (+1 mark) increased geographical mobility (1 mark) may mean that it is necessary for people to live away from their family (+1 mark) people do not worry as much about living alone (1 mark) as there is less social stigma (+1 mark) rise in affluence (1 mark) means that people can financially afford to live on their own (+1 mark). Other relevant material should be credited. No marks for no relevant points. Student response A Easier to divorce More rights for women Less social stigma Point one and three are partial answers. The second point is not a reason in itself. Student response B Less social stigma Increase in divorce Women have more independent The first two points are partial answers and need explaining. The third point is not a reason in itself. 21

22 Student response C Increase in divorce Less social stigma Women s independence First two points need to be explained. The third point is not a reason in itself. Student response D Equal Pay Act so women can afford to run a family on her own. More divorce leading to SPF s Less stigma attached The third point needs to be explained. First two points gets 2 marks each. 5 marks awarded Student response E Less social stigma Women are now economically independent More increase in divorce All three points need explaining. Only receive 1 mark for each point. 3 marks awarded 22

23 Student response F Less social stigma Easier to divorce Less need to get married The first two points need explaining therefore only 1 mark each. The third point is the same as the first point. Student response G Emancipation of women Less of a stigma Jobs easier to obtain Higher level of education Financial independence easier to obtain. The first point is not a reason in itself. 3 marks awarded Student response H One reason for the increase in single person household is the increase in divorce rate, 70% of which are petitioned by women. Another reason for the increase in this type of household is the changing role of women as many women aren t choosing to get married until their late 20 s 30 s, which means they are by themselves before marriage, increasing the overall number of lone person households. Finally, increasing affluence has led to people being able to afford to live independently by themselves. 23

24 First point receives 1 mark. The second and third point each receive full 2 marks each. 5 marks awarded Student response I Less stigma Higher divorce rates Less need to live with others All points need to be explained. Only 1 mark for each point. 3 marks awarded Student response J Increased migration African Caribbean women. Secularisation divorce more socially acceptable Changing role of women women financially independent so can support children by themselves. First two points need more explanation. 2 marks for third point. Only 1 mark for first and second point. 4 marks awarded Student response K More women are doing paid work which means they can afford to live alone. Also there is less social stigma in not getting married and living alone now. In addition single person households get certain benefits which could encourage working class people to live alone. 24

25 First point gets 2 marks. Second point is a partial answer and gets 1 mark. Third point is not plausible as would get benefits if living with someone. 3 points awarded Student response L Changes in attitudes/priorities Increased divorce rate Increase in female employment All points are partial answers and need to be explained. 3 marks awarded Student response M Decline in stigma Secularisation Easier to divorce First and third points are partial answers and need to be explained. The second point is not a reason in itself. Student response N Easier to divorce Women want to focus on their career Less social stigma All points are partial and need to be explained. 3 marks awarded 25

26 Student response O Changing womens aspirations and roles have increased cohabitation as women are now economically independent and focus on careers before getting married and starting a family. The divorce Reform Act 1969 has made divorce cheaper and quicker, therefore more people got divorced and created Single Parent households. The first point does not address the question cohabitation is not single person households. The second point is the only relevant answer which is explained. 26

27 Question 11 Outline and explain two ways in which changes to gender roles have affected diversity of family structures. [10 marks] Mark scheme Marks Level descriptors 8 10 Answers in this band will show very good knowledge and understanding of two ways in which changes to gender roles have affected diversity of family structures. There will be two applications of relevant material, eg how changes to gender roles have led to women delaying marriage; how women's financial independence has led to more lone parent families. There will be appropriate analysis, eg of the significance of the dual burden in contemporary families. 4 7 Answers in this band will show a reasonable to good knowledge and understanding of one or two ways in which changes to gender roles have affected diversity of family structures. There will be one or two applications of relevant material, eg how women's greater involvement in paid work has led to more childless couples. There will be some basic analysis. 1 3 Answers in this band will show limited knowledge and little or no understanding of the question or the material. There will be limited focus on the question, eg there may be some drift into accounts of family diversity in general. There will be little or no analysis. 0 No relevant points. Indicative content Answers may include the following and/or other relevant points: gender role models in family and/or in wider society impact of feminism on attitudes and expectations women s access to and experience of paid work women s financial independence allowing more freedom of choice the increase in lone parent families the development of joint conjugal roles the increase in single person households the increase in childless couples. 27

28 Student response A The decline of the housewife role means women could do paid work and support a family alone e.g. single parent household. This meant women could also support themselves if divorcing. Another reason is that there are more conjungal roles in relationships. Brief account one point made but this has not been developed. Need to explain either why women are working or why the housewife role declined. There is also no explanation regarding lone parent families. Student response B The equal pay act has allowed women to get higher pay, supposedly equal to men. This allows them to be economically independent and get their own jobs without relying on men to fund the household, therefore women can then live alone and support themselves. This leads to an increase in single parent families. Also there is now much less stigma attached to living alone. Men and women no longer have to get married to avoid the stigma so there is an incline of single parent families, generally for happiness and economic reasons and the fact it is much more accepted. First point is relevant with some development although does not fully explain why this would result in single parent families. The second point does not relate to gender roles and is a general reason for family diversity. 3 marks awarded Student response C Laws such as the equal pay act means families have moved into a neo conventional type whene both partners go out to work as its not nessicary to have a singular bread winner nor is it economically visable to rely on one income. The gender equality act also means that women are more accepted to work so carrers are put first over a family this has affected diversity because not only can women live alone but parents are having children later in life. 28

29 Examiner Commentary The first section needs to be linked to diversity of family structure. In the second paragraph the first point is not well applied. The second point is applied but has limited development. 4 marks awarded Student response D The equal pay act has allowed women to get higher pay than they did previously, and supposedly equal to men. This allows women to be economically independent and get their own jobs without relying on men to fund the household. This has also meant that women can live alone and support themselves. This has meant that woman may now choose to delay marriage and live alone rather than having to get married and have a man to support her. For women who are already married, being able to work may mean they can afford to get divorced if they choose. This leads to an increase in lone parent families. Changes in social attitudes have meant that different family structures are now more acceptable. The impact of feminism has enabled women to be aware of their social position and to seek to reject patriarchy. Women now look to men to share domestic tasks with them in the home. For some couples this has meant a change to joint conjugal roles where both partners undertake domestic and childcare duties. Critics may argue that it is more likely that in these families there is a dual burden as men fail to take their full share of domestic duties. In some cases the role in the family may reverse with women taking the breadwinner role and men staying at home and being househusbands. These changes to gender roles may continue as more children are socialised in families with more equal gender roles, give them an awareness of the need for equality. The impact of feminism may also mean women delay having children as they do not feel the same pressure. In some cases this may mean women choose to remain childless. The answer shows good knowledge and understanding of gender roles and family diversity. The material is appropriately applied to the question by linking the change in gender roles to the differences this makes to family structures. In the first paragraph this is linked to women being able to work and how this can lead to either single person households or lone parent families. In the second paragraph application shows how feminism can impact on attitudes and how this may then lead to different structures. 10 marks awarded 29

30 Question 12 Applying material from Item B and from your knowledge, evaluate the contribution of functionalist views to our understanding of the family. [20 marks] Mark scheme Item B For functionalist sociologists, the family is an important institution in society. They see the family as playing a number of important roles essential for the smooth running of society. However, other sociologists have emphasised different functions that families may fulfil in society. Marks Level descriptors Answers in this band will show sound, conceptually detailed knowledge of a range of relevant material on the contribution of functionalist views to our understanding of the family. Good understanding of the question and of the presented material will be shown. Appropriate material will be applied accurately to the issues raised by the question. Analysis and evaluation will be explicit and relevant. Evaluation may be developed for example through a debate between different perspectives, eg by comparing different functionalist views or by contrasting functionalist approaches with Marxist and/or feminist views. Analysis will show clear explanation and may draw appropriate conclusions Answers in this band will show Broad or deep, accurate but incomplete knowledge. Understands a number of significant aspects of the question; reasonable understanding of the presented material. Application of material is largely explicitly relevant to the question, though some material may be inadequately focused. Some limited explicit evaluation eg the debate about the symmetrical family and/or some appropriate analysis, eg clear explanations of some of the presented material Answers in this band will show largely accurate knowledge but limited range and depth, eg a broadly accurate, if basic, account of Parsons and stabilisation of adult personalities. Understands some limited but significant aspects of the question; superficial understanding of the presented material. Applying material (possibly in a list-like fashion) from the general topic area but with limited regard for its relevance to the issues raised by the question, or applying a narrow range of more relevant material. Evaluation limited at most to juxtaposition of competing positions or to one or two isolated stated points. Analysis will be limited, with answers tending towards the descriptive. 5 8 Answers in this band will show limited undeveloped knowledge, eg two or three 30

31 insubstantial points about the role of the family. Understands only very limited aspects of the question; simplistic understanding of the presented material. Limited application of suitable material, and/or material often at a tangent to the demands of the question, eg drifting into a family and social change answer. Minimal or no evaluation. Attempts at analysis, if any, are thin and disjointed. 1 4 Answers in this band will show very limited knowledge, eg one or two very insubstantial points about the family in general. Very little/no understanding of the question and of the presented material. Significant errors, omissions, and/or incoherence in application of material. No analysis or evaluation. 0 No relevant points. Indicative content Concepts and issues such as the following may appear: stabilisation of adult personalities; social stability; sexual/reproductive/educational/economic functions of family; family as a unit of consumption; reproduction; primary socialisation; gender roles; patriarchy; geographical mobility; hierarchy; social control. 31

32 Student response Functionalist Sociologists believe that the family benefits society and the individual within it. They believe that society is based on value consensus and shared norms and values. Functionalists also see the family and other social institutions as working together like the organs of a body. However, other sociologists disagree. Feminists see the family as oppressive to women rather than being beneficial for all. Functionalist Murdock agreed that the nuclear family was so important that it occurred everywhere in all societies. He believed it was a universal institution. However, today there are many different types of families like single parent families and homosexual families which do not fit in with Murdock. Murdock also believed that the family performed 4 functions. These were socialisation, economic, reproductive and sexual. For instance, he believed that the family was where sex should take place. This would limit tension caused by jealousy and anger if people slept with many partners. Thus conflict is avoided and harmony is created. In many ways the family in pre-industrial societies was like a Swiss army knife it was multifunctional. However Parsons disagrees with Murdock and argues that after industrialisation the family has lost functions. It now only provides socialisation of children and the stabilisation of adult personalities. These functions are very important to help society to continue. Other institutions have taken over the roles which used to be performed by the family. The NHS now provides sick care. This means that the family has fewer functions and the smaller nuclear family is more able to move - geographically and socially. The small nuclear family benefits the economy. Marxists would agree that the nuclear family benefits the economy but would criticise the view that it is beneficial to the family members. The family acts as a unit of consumption and so helps to maintain capitalism and with it the continued exploitation of workers. The instrumental and expressive roles of men and women respectively mean that the family can perform the socialisation function. Men come home from work and can be cared for by their family and wife. This will enable them to work better tomorrow and it is good for them and society. However, feminists argue that this isolated nuclear family is not good for everyone Women who are married are sicker and live less long than women who are not married and Ansley said that women are takers of shit. Parsons ideas about socialisation are also criticised. The New Right would argue that in many modern families socialisation is not done by parents. Children are left to sit in front of the TV and many are ruled by the electronic babysitter. They get their views from the television and the Internet rather than their families. The New Right are particularly critical of diverse family structures such as lone parent families and their lack of male role models. Overall the Functionalist view presents life in the family as a happy one based on the ideal of the nuclear family. But it is too rose-tinted. Families are often full of conflict. In addition families are not all nuclear. In today s post-modern world families come in all shapes and sizes, and this causes problems for Functionalists. Parsons warm bath theory cannot work in a single parent family. 32

33 A conceptually detailed account which shows knowledge and understanding of two functionalist views. Murdock s functions could be explained in more detail. Some aspects of Parsons could be analysed more, such as the instrumental and expressive roles. The material used is appropriate to the question. The answer shows analysis and explanations of points. Evaluation is shown through contrasting of the functionalist view with feminism and Marxism. Internal evaluation is illustrated by comparing differing functionalist views. 18 marks awarded 33