Paper 1 Guidance (AQA GCSE Sociology): Revision Note

What is examined in AQA GCSE Sociology Paper 1?

• This paper focuses on the sociology of families and the sociology of education

• The paper's duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes

• The total number of marks available is 100 marks

• Paper 1 represents 50% of the GCSE

• Paper 1 is made up of two sections:

Section A: The Sociology of Families

• Section A consists of 11 questions:

  • Two 1-mark multiple-choice questions

  • One 3-mark describe question

  • One 3-mark identify and describe question

  • One 2-mark examine question

  • Four 4-mark identify and explain/describe questions

  • Two 12-mark discuss questions

• This section will include questions on relevant areas of sociological theory and methodology

• This section requires students to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire GCSE course to show a deeper understanding of the sociology of families

• You must answer all questions

Key studies

• Ensure that you know all of the following key studies that relate to this topic:

  • Delphy & Leonard (1992) - Feminist Perspective

  • Oakley (1982) - Feminist Perspective

  • Parsons (1959) - Functionalist Perspective

  • Rapoport & Rapoport (1982) - Family Diversity

  • Willmott & Young (1973) - Functionalist Perspective

  • Zaretsky (1976) - Marxist Perspective

Section B: The Sociology of Education

• Section B consists of 11 questions:

  • Two 1-mark multiple-choice questions

  • One 3-mark describe question

  • One 3-mark identify and describe question

  • One 2-mark examine question

  • Four 4-mark identify and explain/describe questions

  • Two 12-mark discuss questions

• This section will include questions on relevant areas of sociological theory and methodology

• This section requires students to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire GCSE course to show a deeper understanding of the sociology of education

• You must answer all questions

Key studies

• Ensure that you know all of the following key studies that relate to this topic:

  • Ball (1981) - Teacher Expectations

  • Ball, Bowe & Gerwitz (1994) - Market Forces in Education

  • Bowles & Gintis (1976) - Marxist Perspective

  • Durkheim (1925/1973) - Functionalist Perspective

  • Halsey, Heath & Ridge (1980) - Class Inequalities in Education

  • Parsons (1961) - Functionalist Perspective

  • Willis (1977) - Marxist Perspective