May June 2020 Paper 12

AS Level Sociology 9699/12 May/June 2020

Question 1(a): Define the term extended family. [2]

An extended family is a family structure that includes relatives beyond the nuclear unit, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, who may live together or maintain close social and economic ties.

Question 1(b): Describe two features of the nuclear family. [4]

One feature of the nuclear family is common residence. Members of the nuclear family, typically parents and their children, live together in the same household, forming a self-contained unit.

Another feature is economic cooperation. In a nuclear family, members work together to support each other financially, with resources shared to meet the needs of the household. Traditionally, this involved the male as the breadwinner and the female managing the home, reflecting instrumental and expressive roles.

Question 1(c): Explain the functionalist view that the extended family was the most common family type in pre-industrial societies. [8]

Functionalist sociologists, particularly Parsons, argue that the extended family was the dominant family type in pre-industrial societies because it was best suited to meet the needs of that stage of social development. This is explained through the functional fit theory, which suggests that the structure of the family changes in response to the needs of society.

One key reason is that pre-industrial societies were based on agriculture, which required a large labour force. Extended families provided this labour, as multiple generations could work together on the land. This made the extended family economically efficient, supporting survival in subsistence economies.

Another reason is limited geographical mobility. In pre-industrial societies, poor transport and communication systems meant that families tended to remain in one place. This encouraged extended family living arrangements, where relatives stayed together and supported one another over time.

The extended family also played a crucial role in welfare provision. In the absence of a welfare state, family members were responsible for caring for the elderly, sick and vulnerable. Having a large extended family ensured that these responsibilities could be shared, making it a practical and necessary arrangement.

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course

Additionally, functionalists argue that the extended family helped maintain social stability by reinforcing shared norms and values. Through close relationships and strong kinship ties, individuals were socialised into a common culture, which supported social cohesion.

However, historians such as Anderson and Laslett challenge this view, arguing that nuclear families were also common in pre-industrial societies. This suggests that the functionalist view may be an oversimplification, although it still provides a useful explanation of why extended families were important in such contexts.

Question 1(d): Assess the view that there is no dominant family type. [11]

One argument supporting the view that there is no dominant family type comes from postmodernist sociology. Postmodernists argue that modern societies are characterised by diversity and choice, leading to a wide range of family structures. The Rapoports identified different types of family diversity, including cultural, class and life-course diversity, suggesting that no single family type dominates.

Another supporting argument is the influence of social changes such as increased divorce rates, cohabitation and single-parent families. These changes have led to a decline in the traditional nuclear family and the rise of alternative family forms. This supports the idea that modern societies are characterised by a variety of family structures rather than a dominant type.

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course

However, there are strong arguments against this view. Functionalist sociologists argue that the nuclear family remains the dominant family type. Murdock claimed that the nuclear family is universal, as it performs essential functions such as reproduction and socialisation. This suggests that, despite diversity, the nuclear family continues to be the most common form.

Chester’s concept of the neo-conventional family also challenges the idea of diversity. He argues that most people still live in or aspire to a nuclear family structure, even if it has been modified to include dual earners. This indicates that the nuclear family remains central to society.

Additionally, statistical evidence shows that many people still live in nuclear families, even if their circumstances change over time. For example, individuals may move between different family types throughout their lives but ultimately return to a nuclear structure. This suggests that the idea of diversity may be overstated.

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course

In evaluation, while there is clear evidence of increasing family diversity, it would be inaccurate to say that there is no dominant family type at all. The nuclear family remains a significant and common structure, although it now exists alongside a range of alternative forms. Therefore, the view is only partially valid, as both diversity and continuity can be observed.

Question 2: ‘The rise in divorce rates is due to individuals having higher expectations of marriage.’ Explain and assess this view. [25]

The view that rising divorce rates are due to higher expectations of marriage suggests that individuals today place greater emphasis on emotional satisfaction and personal fulfilment within relationships. When these expectations are not met, couples are more likely to end their marriages.

One argument supporting this view comes from late modernist theory, particularly the work of Giddens. He argues that relationships in modern societies are based on confluent love, which is conditional and dependent on mutual satisfaction. Unlike traditional romantic love, which emphasised lifelong commitment, confluent love can be ended when it no longer meets individual needs. This leads to higher divorce rates, as individuals are less willing to remain in unsatisfactory relationships.

Another supporting argument is the rise of individualism. Beck suggests that in a risk society, individuals prioritise personal goals and self-fulfilment. This has led to a shift away from traditional values of duty and obligation towards relationships based on choice. As a result, people have higher expectations of marriage and are more likely to leave if these expectations are not met.

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course

However, there are other important factors that explain rising divorce rates. Legal changes have made divorce easier and more accessible. The introduction of no-fault divorce, for example, allows couples to separate without assigning blame, reducing barriers to divorce. This suggests that structural changes, rather than individual expectations alone, have contributed to rising divorce rates.

The changing position of women is also a key factor. Feminist sociologists argue that increased economic independence allows women to leave unhappy or abusive marriages. Access to employment and welfare support reduces financial dependence on a partner, making divorce a more viable option.

Secularisation has further contributed to rising divorce rates by weakening religious opposition to divorce. As societies become less influenced by religious values, divorce becomes more socially acceptable, encouraging more individuals to end marriages.

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course

Economic factors also play a role. Financial stress and unemployment can place strain on relationships, increasing the likelihood of breakdown. Conversely, economic independence can make it easier to leave a marriage. This highlights the importance of structural factors alongside individual expectations.

In evaluation, while higher expectations of marriage have contributed to rising divorce rates, they are not the sole cause. A range of factors, including legal changes, economic conditions and changing gender roles, also play a significant role. Therefore, the view is only partially valid, as divorce rates are influenced by both individual and structural factors.

Question 3: ‘Gender is the most significant factor influencing the experience of family life.’ Explain and assess this view. [25]

The view that gender is the most significant factor influencing the experience of family life suggests that differences between males and females shape roles, responsibilities and power within the family more than any other factor.

One argument supporting this view comes from feminist sociology. Feminists argue that family life is structured by patriarchy, where men hold power and women are subordinated. This is evident in the division of labour, where women are often responsible for housework and childcare, even when they are employed. Oakley’s research showed that women perform the majority of domestic tasks, highlighting gender inequality within the family.

The concept of the dual burden and triple shift further supports this argument. Women are expected to manage paid work, domestic labour and emotional support, placing them at a disadvantage compared to men. This demonstrates how gender shapes the experience of family life in terms of workload and responsibilities.

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course

Gender also influences power and decision-making within families. Pahl’s research showed that men often have greater control over financial decisions, while Edgell found that men dominate in more important decisions. This indicates that gender remains a key factor in shaping family dynamics.

However, there are arguments against the view that gender is the most significant factor. Social class, for example, can have a major influence on family life. Working-class families may experience financial difficulties that shape their experiences more than gender differences. This suggests that economic factors can override gender in some cases.

Ethnicity is another important factor. Cultural traditions and religious beliefs can influence family roles and expectations, leading to variations in family life. For example, some cultures emphasise extended family structures and traditional gender roles, while others promote greater equality.

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course

Age also plays a role in shaping family experiences. Children and elderly individuals may have different levels of power and responsibility within the family, regardless of gender. This highlights the importance of life-course factors in understanding family dynamics.

In evaluation, while gender is clearly a significant factor influencing family life, it is not the only one. Class, ethnicity and age also play important roles, and their influence may vary depending on the context. Therefore, the view is only partially valid, as family experiences are shaped by a combination of factors rather than gender alone.