CAIE
Sociology
(9699)
2023
May/June Paper 32
Questions & Answers
Q1.
Short Answer
4 marks
Describe two ways that education contributes to the economy.
Model Answer:
Education contributes to the economy by producing a skilled workforce that can increase productivity and efficiency in jobs.
Explanation: A more educated workforce is generally more productive, which benefits economic growth.
Model Answer:
Education helps individuals gain qualifications and training, which can lead to higher earnings and greater tax revenue for the state.
Explanation: Higher qualifications can improve employment prospects and increase the amount of tax paid into the economy.
Q2.
Short Answer
8 marks
Explain two reasons why material deprivation may affect educational attainment.
Model Answer:
Material deprivation may limit access to educational resources such as books, computers, internet access, and private tutoring, which can reduce achievement.
Explanation: Lack of resources can make it harder for students to complete work and keep up with school demands.
Model Answer:
Material deprivation may force students to live in poor housing or experience financial stress, which can affect concentration, attendance, and overall performance.
Explanation: Unstable living conditions and poverty can disrupt learning and lower attainment.
Q3.
Structured
12 marks
'The main function of education is to help create social solidarity.' Using sociological material, give two arguments against this view.
Model Answer:
One argument against this view is that education may reproduce inequality rather than create solidarity. Marxists argue that schools transmit ruling-class values and prepare working-class pupils for subordinate roles, so education serves capitalism rather than social cohesion.
Explanation: This challenges the functionalist idea that education mainly unites society.
Model Answer:
Another argument is that education can promote competition and individualism through exams, grading, and setting. This may divide students and encourage status differences instead of shared values and solidarity.
Explanation: Competitive practices in education can undermine social solidarity.
Q4.
Essay
26 marks
Evaluate the view that the school curriculum reflects inequalities in society.
Model Answer:
The school curriculum may reflect inequalities in society because it often privileges the culture, values, and knowledge of dominant social groups. Marxists argue that the hidden curriculum and subject content can reproduce class inequality by presenting ruling-class ideas as normal and legitimate.
Explanation: This supports the view that curriculum content is shaped by unequal power relations.
Model Answer:
Feminists argue that the curriculum has historically been male-dominated and may still underrepresent women’s achievements and perspectives, reflecting gender inequality in wider society.
Explanation: This shows how curriculum content can mirror gender inequalities.
Model Answer:
The curriculum may also reflect ethnic inequalities if it focuses mainly on white, Eurocentric perspectives and marginalises minority ethnic histories and contributions.
Explanation: This supports the argument that curriculum content can reproduce ethnic inequality.
Model Answer:
However, the curriculum does not simply reflect inequalities; it can also challenge them. For example, education policy may include multicultural content, equal opportunities, and anti-discrimination measures designed to reduce inequality.
Explanation: This is a counterargument showing the curriculum may be used to address inequality rather than just reflect it.
Model Answer:
Functionalists would argue that the curriculum is based on meritocratic principles and aims to transmit shared values and knowledge needed for social cohesion, rather than simply reflecting social inequality.
Explanation: This provides an alternative view of the curriculum’s role.
Model Answer:
A balanced evaluation would note that while the curriculum may often reflect existing power relations and inequalities, it is also influenced by educational reform, political debate, and social change, so its relationship with inequality is not fixed.
Explanation: This offers a concluding judgement that the curriculum both reflects and can reshape inequality.