CAIE A Level 9699

Sociology 2023 · Oct/Nov · Paper 22

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This CAIE A Level Sociology Paper 22 focuses on the sociology of the family and related debates about marriage, divorce, gender, power, and childhood. Students can expect structured essay-style questions that range from short “describe” and “explain” prompts to longer evaluation questions, so the paper tests both knowledge and the ability to develop sociological arguments.…

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Questions & Model Answers 7 Qs

Q1
Short Answer 4 marks
Describe two functions of the family.
One function of the family is primary socialisation, where children learn the norms, values and basic skills needed to function in society.
This is a standard sociological function of the family.
Another function of the family is the stabilisation of adult personalities, providing emotional support and security for adults.
This is a recognised function identified by functionalist sociologists.
Q2a
Structured 8 marks
Explain two reasons for an increase in divorce.
One reason is the changing social acceptability of divorce. Divorce is now less stigmatised than in the past, so couples are more willing to end unhappy marriages.
Reduced stigma makes divorce more likely.
Another reason is greater legal and economic independence for women. With more women in paid work and improved rights, they are less dependent on marriage and can leave unsatisfactory relationships.
Women’s increased independence is a common explanation for rising divorce.
Q2b
Structured 6 marks
Explain two limitations of liberal feminist views of the family.
One limitation is that liberal feminism may overstate the extent of equality in the family by focusing on legal and social reforms while ignoring continuing domestic inequality and unpaid labour.
Critics argue that formal equality does not necessarily mean equality in practice.
Another limitation is that liberal feminism may be too optimistic about gradual reform and underplay the deeper structural nature of patriarchy, which radical feminists argue cannot be removed simply through legal change.
This is a common critique from radical feminist perspectives.
Q3a
Structured 10 marks
'The nuclear family has lost its social importance.' Explain this view.
This view argues that the nuclear family is no longer the dominant or most important family form in society. There is now greater diversity in family structures, including lone-parent families, reconstituted families, cohabiting couples and same-sex families.
The argument is based on family diversity and the decline of the nuclear family as the norm.
It also suggests that the functions once performed by the nuclear family have been reduced or taken over by other institutions such as the state, schools and welfare services. For example, childcare, education and support for the elderly are no longer provided only within the nuclear family.
This explains why the nuclear family may be seen as less socially important.
In addition, changing social attitudes have made alternative family forms more acceptable, so the nuclear family is less likely to be seen as the only legitimate family type.
Social acceptance of alternatives weakens the dominance of the nuclear family.
Q3b
Structured 6 marks
Using sociological material, give one argument against this view.
One argument against this view is that the nuclear family remains important because it is still the most common family type in many societies and continues to be associated with key functions such as socialisation and emotional support.
This challenges the claim that the nuclear family has lost importance.
Q4
Essay 26 marks
Evaluate the view that power is shared equally in the family.
Indicative answer: Power is not always shared equally in the family. Feminist sociologists argue that men often retain greater decision-making power and control over resources, while women may carry a disproportionate share of domestic labour and emotional work. However, some sociologists argue that family relationships have become more symmetrical, with greater negotiation between partners, especially in dual-earner households. Evaluation may consider evidence on money management, domestic labour, decision-making, domestic violence, and the impact of class, ethnicity and age.
This is an indicative model answer for an evaluative essay.
Q5
Essay 26 marks
Evaluate the view that the distinction between childhood and adulthood is becoming less clear.
Indicative answer: The distinction between childhood and adulthood may be becoming less clear because children are exposed to adult culture through media and consumerism, and because some adult responsibilities are taken on earlier or delayed adulthood is more common. However, other sociologists argue that childhood remains a distinct and protected stage of life, with laws, education and child welfare policies reinforcing the boundary between children and adults. Evaluation may consider postmodern views, the role of the media, child protection, and cross-cultural differences.
This is an indicative model answer for an evaluative essay.
Paper Details
Board CAIE
Level A Level
Subject Sociology
Code 9699
Year 2023
Session Oct/Nov
Paper No. Paper 22
Q&A 7 questions
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