A LevelSociologyAQAExam QuestionsFamilies & Households: Option Topic (Section A)Roles & Functions of the Family

Roles & Functions of the Family (AQA A Level Sociology): Exam Questions

Exam code: 7192

2 hours6 questions
1
20 marks

Read Item D below and answer the question that follows.

Item D

Feminist sociologists emphasise the harmful effects of the conventional nuclear family on women. They see it as playing a role in the continuing oppression of women. This is evident in areas such as domestic violence, paid employment and power.

Other sociologists reject this negative view of the family and argue that it is essential for society.

Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate feminist explanations of the role of the family in society today.

How did you do?

2
10 marks

Outline and explain two ways in which government policies may affect family structure.

How did you do?

3
10 marks

Outline and explain two ways in which the functions of the family may have been affected by changes to its structure.

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4
20 marks

Read Item D below and answer the question that follows.

Item D

Functionalists believe the family has its own important role to play in helping society to function effectively. In each type of society, one particular type of family will be the norm. This family type will fit the needs both of its individual members and of society as a whole.

Other sociologists believe that functionalists fail to consider ways in which families are dysfunctional.

Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate functionalist explanations of the role of the family in society.

How did you do?

5
10 marks

Read Item C below and answer the question that follows.

Item C

Globalisation has increased the movement of people around the world. It has also led to wider access in the UK to technological developments.

Globalisation may affect domestic labour in the UK.

Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways that globalisation may affect domestic labour in the UK.

How did you do?

6
20 marks

Read Item D below and answer the question that follows.

Item D

Marxist sociologists argue that families continue to perform a key role in maintaining capitalism. Families support the economy and play an important part in transmitting ideology that helps to legitimise the capitalist system.

However, some sociologists argue that Marxists place too much importance on the role of families in supporting capitalism and that families are beneficial to individuals and society as a whole.

Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate Marxist explanations of the role of families in society today.

How did you do?