Answering 12-Mark Essay Questions (AQA GCSE Sociology): Revision Note

Here is an example of a 12-mark essay question:

Q. Discuss how far sociologists would agree that the nuclear family performs important functions for society.

[12 marks]

Model answer:

Some sociologists, such as functionalists and the New Right, argue that the nuclear family performs important functions for society, while others believe it is harmful or benefits only certain groups.

Functionalists such as Parsons claim the nuclear family carries out two key functions. The first is the primary socialisation of children, which teaches norms and values and helps maintain social order. The second is the stabilisation of adult personalities, where family life provides emotional support and reduces stress — known as the warm bath theory. These functions suggest that the nuclear family contributes to stability in society.

The New Right also support this view. Murray argues that the nuclear family is the most effective structure for raising children into responsible adults. He claims lone-parent families lack a male role model, which may lead to poor socialisation. However, critics say functionalists and the New Right idealise the family and ignore issues such as child abuse and domestic violence, showing that families do not always function positively.

In contrast, feminists such as Delphy and Leonard see the nuclear family as patriarchal, benefiting men more than women. They argue that women perform unpaid domestic work and may become isolated in the home, meaning the family does not function equally for all its members.

Marxists also challenge the idea that the family benefits society as a whole. Zaretsky argues that the nuclear family supports capitalism by socialising children into accepting hierarchy and acting as a unit of consumption. However, critics point out that many people find family life rewarding, showing that it still fulfils personal needs.

In conclusion, while the nuclear family performs some important functions, other perspectives highlight inequalities and alternative family structures that can also meet society’s needs.

Word count: 285 words

Level 4: 10-12 marks

Marking Commentary:

This response sits in Level 4 (10-12 marks) because it demonstrates clear and accurate knowledge of relevant sociological perspectives, concepts and theorists (e.g. functionalism, primary socialisation, warm bath theory, patriarchy, capitalism). The ideas are consistently applied to the question of whether the nuclear family performs important functions.

The answer presents balanced analysis, including criticisms. It draws on contrasting perspectives, including feminism and Marxism, with supporting evidence from named sociologists (Delphy & Leonard and Zaretsky). The explanation is concise but detailed enough to show understanding, and the conclusion offers a reasoned judgement.

Step-by-step structure:

• Paragraph 1: Introduction briefly sets out the debate

• Paragraph 2: Explains Parsons’ two key functions (primary socialisation and stabilisation of adult personalities), using relevant concepts and linking them clearly to the question

• Paragraph 3: Shows how the New Right (e.g., Murray) support the functionalist view, then offers a brief critique of the functionalist viewpoint at the end of the paragraph

• Paragraph 4: Presents a contrasting perspective, explaining how feminist theorists (e.g., Delphy & Leonard) argue that the nuclear family is patriarchal and disadvantages women. Links the point back to the question

• Paragraph 5: Outlines the Marxist view (e.g., Zaretsky’s ideas on capitalism and consumption) and briefly critiques it by noting that many people still value family life. Links back to the question

• Paragraph 6: The concluding paragraph makes a clear judgement about how far sociologists agree, acknowledging that while the nuclear family performs some functions, other perspectives highlight inequalities and alternative family forms

Each exam paper has four 12-mark questions, making up 48% of your total GCSE grade, so this is a key area to focus on! Examiners have noticed that students who do well on essays are more likely to get the top grades.

Top-level (level 4) answers to the 12-mark essays have a lot of similar features, such as:

• A detailed level of knowledge and understanding

• The accurate use of key terms related to the issue raised by the question

• The application of relevant sociologists and theories, concepts and evidence/key studies are focused on the issue raised by the question

• A response that compares and contrasts at least two different sociological viewpoints (an unbalanced argument will prevent you from reaching the top bands)

• Arguments that are well explained, with supported judgements and evidence-based conclusions (not your own opinion)

• Good written skills