Answering 12-Mark Questions (AQA GCSE Sociology)

Here is an example of a 12-mark extended writing question:

Q. Discuss how far sociologists would agree that the nuclear family performs important functions for society.

[12 marks]

Model answer:

Some sociologists, such as functionalists and the New Right, would agree that the nuclear family is important for the functions it performs for society, whereas other sociologists would argue that it does far more harm than good.

Parsons (a functionalist) said that the nuclear family carries out essential functions linked to personality formation, one being the primary socialisation of children so they learn the norms and values of society, which preserves social order. Another function, according to Parsons, is the stabilisation of adult personalities, where the family helps ease the strain and stress of everyday life as the husband and wife offer each other emotional support. Parsons called this the warm bath theory, where the male breadwinner, who performs the instrumental role, returns from work and relaxes into his family (like a warm bath), which relieves his stress.

This view is supported by the New Right perspective, which argues that the nuclear family is the best family type for children to develop into stable, functioning adult members of society. Other family types, such as lone parents, would not be desirable since the lack of a father figure as a role model could be damaging, according to Charles Murray, showing that the nuclear family is important. However, the functionalist view could be criticised as Parsons is accused of idealisation as he ignores the dark side of the family where child abuse and domestic abuse occur, so the picture he paints does not match reality.

Contrastingly, other sociologists, such as feminists and Marxists, are critical of the nuclear family as performing important functions for society. Feminists such as Delphy and Leonard see the family as a patriarchal institution that men benefit from, as women are expected to do unpaid work in the home. Nuclear families imprison women in their own homes as they are tied to children and housework. Additionally, the increase in domestic violence shows that families are not a safe haven and that family life doesn't always contribute to members' wellbeing.

Finally, Marxists are critical of the nuclear family, as they see it as functional for capitalist society as children are socialised into accepting the values of capitalism. Marxist Zaretsky views the family as a vital unit of consumption, as families buy and consume the products of capitalism, enabling the bourgeoisie to profit. However, critics would argue that many people are satisfied with family life and see marriage and having children as goals in life, showing that the nuclear family is still important

In conclusion, while the nuclear family plays a role in socialisation, other family structures (e.g. lone-parent, same-sex) and social institutions, e.g. schools, can fulfil this function. The Marxist view that the family serves capitalism and the feminist critique of patriarchal structures within the family offer important counterpoints. Despite these critiques, the nuclear family remains a desired aspiration for many.

Word count: 474 words

Level 4 response: 10-12 marks

Marking Commentary:

This response is in the top band (Level 4) because there is detailed knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, key terms and methods (e.g. functionalism, nuclear family, instrumental role, warm bath theory). The applied theories, concepts, key terms and methods are focused on the question. Critical analysis and evaluation is evident (idealisation and the dark side of the family, aspirations for family life), and there are at least two contrasting sociological perspectives (Marxism and feminism). The arguments raised are well explained, with supported judgements and evidence-based conclusions (Zaretsky, Delphy & Leonard).

Step by step structure:

• Paragraph 1: Introduction briefly sets out the debate

• Paragraph 2: Explains the functionalist view of the family, particularly two functions according to Parsons, which are well explained and includes relevant concepts and key terms

• Paragraph 3: Compares a perspective that supports the functionalist view and then offers a critique of the functionalist viewpoint at the end of the paragraph

• Paragraph 4: A counterargument is presented. A contrasting view from the feminist perspective of the nuclear family is explained in detail and includes relevant concepts, key terms and evidence (Delphy and Leonard), with a link back to the question

• Paragraph 5: A second counterargument is presented from the Marxist perspective, which shows detailed knowledge and includes relevant concepts, key terms and evidence (Zaretsky). It also offers a critique of the viewpoint at the end of the paragraph, with a link back to the question

• Paragraph 6: The concluding paragraph makes a judgement about whether the differing perspectives agree or disagree that the nuclear family performs important functions for society and why

Each exam paper has four 12-mark questions, making up 48% of your total GCSE grade, so this is a key area to focus on! Examiners have noticed that students who do well on essays are more likely to get the top grades.

Top-level (level 4) answers to the 12-mark 'mini-essays' have a lot of similar features, such as:

• A detailed level of knowledge and understanding

• The accurate use of key terms related to the issue raised by the question

• The application of relevant sociologists and theories, concepts and evidence/key studies are focused on the issue raised by the question

• A response that compares and contrasts at least two different sociological viewpoints (an unbalanced argument will prevent you from reaching the top bands)

• Arguments that are well explained, with supported judgements and evidence-based conclusions (not your own opinion)

• Good written skills