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Consensus, conflict, structural and social action theories

Past-paper questions pack

Name
Class
Date set
Date due
Score/ 120

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 · 7 parts · mark schemes follow the questions · www.alevelsociologytutor.com · Questions and mark schemes © AQA

1. June 2023 · Paper 3 · Q6 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6
0 6 Read Item C below and answer the question that follows. Item C Feminists argue that society continues to be patriarchal. Radical feminists argue that patriarchy is the most important organising principle in society and strongly disadvantages women. Examples of this include the gender pay gap in employment as well as the inequalities and oppression experienced in the private world of the family. However, Marxists would argue that many feminists ignore the influence of capitalism as an organising principle in determining inequalities and oppression in today’s society. Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the extent to which today’s society can be seen as patriarchal. [20 marks]
2. June 2022 · Paper 3 · Q6 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6
0 6 Read Item C below and answer the question that follows. Item C Social action theorists take a micro-level approach in focusing on an individual’s free will and choice of behaviour. These theorists believe it is important to examine how people interact with others and seek to understand the meanings behind why people behave as they do. However, structural theorists are critical of social action theories. They argue that sociologists should examine the structural power differences between groups and individuals, which control people’s behaviour. Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the usefulness of social action theories in explaining human behaviour. [20 marks]
3. November 2021 · Paper 3 · Q5 · 10 marks · AO1=5,AO2=3,AO3=2
0 5 Outline and explain two sociological perspectives on the purpose of social policy in society. [10 marks]
4. June 2019 · Paper 3 · Q6 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6
0 6 Read Item C below and answer the question that follows. Item C Marxist sociologists see capitalism as based on class inequality and the exploitation of the proletariat. They argue that all social institutions help to maintain capitalist society. However, in the Marxist view, the proletariat will ultimately overthrow capitalism and create a classless society. Critics argue that the traditional Marxist view of society is outdated. Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the contribution of Marxist approaches to understanding today’s society. [20 marks]
5. June 2018 · Paper 1 · Q6 · 10 marks · AO1=5,AO2=3,AO3=2
0 6 Outline and explain two problems of using the functionalist perspective to study today’s society. [10 marks]
6. June 2017 · Paper 3 · Q6 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6
0 6 Read Item C below and answer the question that follows. Item C Some sociologists take a consensus approach to the study of society. For example, functionalists see society as based on shared values and with all its parts working harmoniously together to meet the needs of the social system. Other sociologists take a conflict approach. For example, Marxists see society as divided by a fundamental conflict in which one class uses its power to exploit the other. Labelling theory and Weber’s social action theory also highlight the importance of conflict and power. Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the view that conflict approaches are more useful than consensus approaches to our understanding of society. [20 marks] Extra space 20
7. Specimen set 1 · Paper 3 · Q6 · 20 marks · AO1=8,AO2=6,AO3=6
0 6 Read Item C below and answer the question that follows. Item C Marxists see society as based on conflict between social classes. Those who own the means of production are able to exploit those who do not and are also able to impose their views on society. However, different Marxists have different views about the nature of capitalist society and about how social change occurs. Applying material from Item C and your knowledge, evaluate the usefulness of Marxist approaches in understanding society. [20 marks]

Mark schemes

1. June 2023 · Paper 3 · Q6
Mark scheme June 2023 Paper 3 Q6
2. June 2022 · Paper 3 · Q6
Mark scheme June 2022 Paper 3 Q6
3. November 2021 · Paper 3 · Q5
Mark scheme November 2021 Paper 3 Q5
4. June 2019 · Paper 3 · Q6
Mark scheme June 2019 Paper 3 Q6
5. June 2018 · Paper 1 · Q6
Mark scheme June 2018 Paper 1 Q6
6. June 2017 · Paper 3 · Q6
Mark scheme June 2017 Paper 3 Q6
7. Specimen set 1 · Paper 3 · Q6
Mark scheme Specimen set 1 Paper 3 Q6