: AQA past-paper questions pack

Religion, social change and social stability

Past-paper questions pack

Name
Class
Date set
Date due
Score	/ 130

Questions are numbered; the mark schemes (the answer key) follow on separate pages so the question pages can be handed out alone. www.alevelsociologytutor.com

AQA AQA AS and A-level Sociology past-paper questions since 2016 · 10 parts · mark schemes follow the questions · www.alevelsociologytutor.com · Questions and mark schemes © AQA

1. June 2025 · Paper 2 · Q15 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6

1 5
Read Item J below and answer the question that follows.
Item J
Some sociologists, such as Marxists and feminists, argue that religion serves the
interests of powerful groups. For example, religion transmits ideology that reinforces
the position of powerful groups, such as the ruling class, and excludes other groups,
such as women, through its beliefs and practices.
However, other sociologists disagree and argue that religion instead serves the needs
of society as a whole.
Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that religion serves
the interests of powerful groups.
[20 marks]

2. June 2024 · Paper 2 · Q13 · 10 marks · AO1=5,AO2=3,AO3=2

1 3
Outline and explain two ways in which social change may contribute to secularisation.
[10 marks]

3. June 2024 · Paper 2 · Q14 · 10 marks · AO1=3,AO2=4,AO3=3

1 4
Read Item I below and answer the question that follows.
Item I
Ideologies can be oppressive forces that protect the interests of powerful groups in
society. Ideologies can also inspire protest and social change.
Religion may be seen as an ideology.
Applying material from Item I, analyse two ways in which religion may be seen as an
ideology.
[10 marks]

4. June 2023 · Paper 2 · Q13 · 10 marks · AO1=5,AO2=3,AO3=2

1 3
Outline and explain two ways that globalisation may affect the functions of religion.
[10 marks]

5. June 2022 · Paper 2 · Q14 · 10 marks · AO1=3,AO2=4,AO3=3

1 4
Read Item I below and answer the question that follows.
Item I
Social change can involve periods of increased poverty and higher numbers of people
living in such conditions. Individuals may feel uncertainty in times of rapid social
change.
Social change may lead to the growth of sects.
Applying material from Item I, analyse two ways in which social change may lead to the
growth of sects.
[10 marks]

6. November 2021 · Paper 2 · Q13 · 10 marks · AO1=5,AO2=3,AO3=2

1 3
Outline and explain two ways that globalisation may have influenced the way in which
religion acts as a force for change.
[10 marks]

7. November 2020 · Paper 2 · Q15 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6

1 5
Read Item J below and answer the question that follows.
Item J
Some sociologists argue that religion acts as a force for social change. It can be used
to challenge mainstream beliefs and values, and inspire protest against the existing
social order.
However, other sociologists suggest that the relationship between religion and social
change is not straightforward and that religion can even prevent social change.
Applying material from Item J and your knowledge, evaluate the view that religion acts as
a force for social change.
[20 marks]

8. June 2019 · Paper 2 · Q13 · 10 marks · AO1=5,AO2=3,AO3=2

1 3
Outline and explain two ways in which churches may act as conservative forces.
[10 marks]

9. June 2017 · Paper 2 · Q14 · 10 marks · AO1=3,AO2=4,AO3=3

1 4
Read Item I below and answer the question that follows.
Item I
Religion gives people principles by which they can live their lives and gives them a
profound sense of being right. Religious beliefs sometimes lead believers to act in
ways that can have unforeseen consequences for society.
Many sociologists therefore argue that religion can lead to social change.
Applying material from Item I, analyse two ways in which religion can lead to social
change.
[10 marks]

10. Specimen set 1 · Paper 2 · Q15 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6

1 5
Read Item B and answer the question that follows.
Item B
Many sociologists argue that religious beliefs and organisations act as
conservative forces and barriers to social change. For example, religious doctrines
such as the Hindu belief in reincarnation or Christian teachings on the family have
given religious justification to existing social structures. Similarly, it is argued that
religious organisations such as churches are often extremely wealthy and closely
linked to elite groups and power structures.
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that religious
beliefs and organisations are barriers to social change.
[20 marks]

Mark schemes

1. June 2025 · Paper 2 · Q15

Mark scheme June 2025 Paper 2 Q15

2. June 2024 · Paper 2 · Q13

Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 2 Q13

3. June 2024 · Paper 2 · Q14

Mark scheme June 2024 Paper 2 Q14

4. June 2023 · Paper 2 · Q13

Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 2 Q13

5. June 2022 · Paper 2 · Q14

Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 2 Q14

6. November 2021 · Paper 2 · Q13

Mark scheme November 2021 Paper 2 Q13

7. November 2020 · Paper 2 · Q15

Mark scheme November 2020 Paper 2 Q15

8. June 2019 · Paper 2 · Q13

Mark scheme June 2019 Paper 2 Q13

9. June 2017 · Paper 2 · Q14

Mark scheme June 2017 Paper 2 Q14

10. Specimen set 1 · Paper 2 · Q15

Mark scheme Specimen set 1 Paper 2 Q15