May June 2025 Paper 22

AS Level Sociology 9699/22 May/June 2025

Question 1: Describe two ways social policies may impact upon the family. [4]

One way social policies may impact upon the family is by encouraging or discouraging particular family structures. For example, laws surrounding marriage, divorce and welfare support can influence whether individuals choose to form nuclear families, remain single or become lone parents. Easier access to divorce can increase family breakdown, while policies promoting marriage may strengthen traditional family structures.

Another way is through improving the welfare and protection of family members. Policies such as compulsory education and child protection laws ensure that children are safeguarded and prioritised within the family. This contributes to the development of a more child-centred society, where parents invest more time, resources and attention in their children’s upbringing.

Question 2(a): Explain two reasons why fewer people are getting married. [8]

One reason fewer people are getting married is the rise of individualisation. In modern societies, individuals prioritise personal goals, happiness and self-development over traditional expectations. As a result, people may delay or avoid marriage if they believe it may restrict their independence. This is supported by sociologists such as Beck, who argue that relationships are now based on choice rather than obligation, leading to a decline in marriage rates.

Another reason is the changing economic position of women. As women gain access to education and employment, they become financially independent and no longer rely on marriage for economic security. This reduces the necessity of marriage as a means of survival. Feminist perspectives highlight how this shift has allowed women to make choices based on personal preference rather than economic need, contributing to a decline in marriage.

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

Question 2(b): Explain one strength and one limitation of postmodernist views on family diversity. [6]

One strength of postmodernist views is that they recognise the diversity and complexity of modern family life. Rather than assuming a single dominant family type, postmodernists argue that individuals have the freedom to create relationships that suit their needs. This makes the theory more relevant in contemporary societies where cohabitation, same-sex families and lone-parent households are increasingly common.

However, a limitation is that postmodernism exaggerates the extent of choice available to individuals. While it emphasises freedom and individual agency, it often ignores structural constraints such as social class, gender and cultural expectations. For example, individuals in more traditional or economically disadvantaged contexts may have limited ability to choose their family form, suggesting that diversity is not always the result of free choice.

Question 3(a): ‘The main role of the family is to benefit society.’ Explain this view. [10]

The view that the main role of the family is to benefit society is strongly associated with functionalist theory, which sees the family as a key institution contributing to social stability and cohesion.

One way the family benefits society is through primary socialisation. The family teaches children the norms, values and behaviours required to function effectively in society. This ensures that individuals grow up to become responsible and cooperative members of society, maintaining social order.

Another way is through the stabilisation of adult personalities. The family provides emotional support to adults, helping them cope with the stresses of everyday life. Parsons argued that this function is essential for maintaining a productive workforce, as individuals who are emotionally supported are better able to perform their roles in society.

The family also contributes through reproduction, ensuring the continuation of society by producing the next generation. This maintains the population and provides future workers who will contribute to the economy.

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, the family supports the economy by acting as a unit of consumption. By purchasing goods and services, families contribute to economic activity and support businesses, which benefits society as a whole.

Question 3(b): ‘The main role of the family is to benefit society.’ Using sociological material, give one argument against this view. [6]

One argument against this view is provided by Marxist theory, which suggests that the family primarily benefits capitalism rather than society as a whole. From this perspective, the family reproduces labour power and socialises individuals into accepting inequality, ensuring the continuation of the capitalist system. This benefits the ruling class rather than society collectively, as working-class individuals may be exploited and disadvantaged.

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

Question 4: Evaluate the view that roles in the family are still based on traditional gender identities. [26]

The view that roles in the family are still based on traditional gender identities suggests that despite social changes, men and women continue to perform roles that reflect conventional expectations of masculinity and femininity. Traditional gender roles typically involve men as breadwinners and women as caregivers.

One argument supporting this view is the persistence of unequal domestic labour. Research consistently shows that women perform the majority of housework and childcare, even when they are employed. This reflects the continuation of expressive roles for women and instrumental roles for men, as described by Parsons. Feminist sociologists argue that this demonstrates the enduring influence of patriarchy within the family.

Another supporting argument is the unequal burden of motherhood. Women are often expected to take primary responsibility for raising children, particularly in early childhood. This can limit their career opportunities and reinforce gender inequality. Concepts such as the dual burden and triple shift highlight how women manage paid work alongside domestic and emotional responsibilities, suggesting that traditional roles remain deeply embedded.

Cultural and religious influences also reinforce traditional gender identities. In many societies, beliefs about male authority and female caregiving continue to shape expectations within the family. Children are often socialised into these roles from a young age, ensuring their continuation across generations.

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 is strong evidence against this view. One major change is the rise of joint conjugal roles, where men and women share responsibilities more equally. Willmott and Young argue that modern families are becoming more symmetrical, with men increasingly involved in housework and childcare.

The increasing economic independence of women has also transformed family roles. As women enter the workforce and contribute financially, they gain greater power within the household. This challenges traditional gender divisions and promotes more equal relationships.

Postmodernist perspectives suggest that family roles are now based on negotiation and choice rather than fixed traditions. Individuals can decide how to organise their relationships based on their own preferences, leading to greater diversity in family roles.

Additionally, changes in social policy, such as paternity leave, have encouraged greater male involvement in childcare. This reflects shifting expectations of fatherhood and contributes to a more equal distribution of responsibilities.

In evaluation, while traditional gender roles still influence family life, they are no longer as dominant as they once were. There has been significant progress towards equality, particularly in more developed societies. However, inequalities persist, especially in domestic labour and childcare responsibilities. Therefore, the view is partially valid, as traditional gender identities continue to shape family roles but are increasingly being challenged.

Question 5: Evaluate the view that the nuclear family is the dominant family type. [26]

The view that the nuclear family is the dominant family type suggests that it remains the most common and influential family structure in modern society. The nuclear family typically consists of two parents and their children living together.

One argument supporting this view is that the nuclear family remains numerically significant. Many individuals still marry and have children, forming nuclear families at some stage in their lives. Even when family structures change, such as through divorce, they often originate from the breakdown of a nuclear family, suggesting its central role in family life.

Another supporting argument is that the nuclear family is considered universal. Functionalist sociologists argue that it exists in all societies because it performs essential functions such as socialisation and reproduction. Parsons’ functional fit theory suggests that the nuclear family is particularly suited to modern industrial societies, where mobility and independence are important.

The nuclear family has also adapted to social changes, for example through the rise of dual-earner households. Chester describes this as the neo-conventional family, where both partners work but still maintain a nuclear structure. This demonstrates the flexibility and continued relevance of the nuclear family.

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. One key point is the increase in family diversity. There has been a rise in lone-parent families, cohabiting couples and same-sex families, suggesting that the nuclear family is no longer the dominant form.

Postmodernist sociologists argue that modern society is characterised by choice and individualism, leading to a variety of family structures. This challenges the idea of a single dominant family type and highlights the diversity of contemporary family life.

Cultural differences also challenge the dominance of the nuclear family. In many societies, extended families are more common and preferred. This suggests that the nuclear family is not universal and may be more characteristic of Western societies.

Additionally, changes in social attitudes have reduced the importance of traditional family forms. Individuals are more willing to choose alternative lifestyles, such as remaining single or cohabiting, further weakening the dominance of the nuclear family.

Feminist perspectives also argue that the nuclear family may be declining due to its association with gender inequality. Women’s increased independence has allowed them to reject traditional family roles, contributing to the growth of alternative family forms.

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 the nuclear family remains an important and common family structure, it is no longer the sole or necessarily dominant form. Its role has evolved alongside broader social changes, and it now exists alongside a wide range of alternative family types. Therefore, the view is only partially valid, as the nuclear family continues to be significant but is no longer clearly dominant in all contexts.