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2-mark Questions (identify two things each)
Q1: Identify two types of family structure.
Answer:
Nuclear family
Extended family
Q2: Identify two functions of the family.
Answer:
Socialization
Economic support
Q3: Identify two reasons for divorce.
Answer:
Adultery
Financial problems
4-mark Questions (describe two things each)
Q1: Describe two features of a nuclear family.
Answer:
Small size – Typically includes parents and their dependent children only.
Residential independence – Usually lives separately from extended kin.
Q2: Describe two functions of the family according to functionalists.
Answer:
Primary socialization – Teaching children society’s norms and values.
Emotional support – Providing love and security to family members.
Q3: Describe two reasons for the increase in divorce rates.
Answer:
Changing laws – Divorce has become easier and cheaper to obtain.
Changing attitudes – Less stigma attached to ending a marriage.
8-mark Questions (2 strengths + 2 limitations with explanations)
Q1: Describe two strengths and two limitations of using questionnaires to study families.
Answer:
Strength 1: Large samples – Can reach many families quickly for representative data.
Strength 2: Cost-effective – Cheaper than interviews or observations.
Limitation 1: Lack of depth – Closed questions may miss complex family dynamics.
Limitation 2: Low response rates – Some families may not return questionnaires.
Q2: Describe two strengths and two limitations of using interviews to study families.
Answer:
Strength 1: In-depth understanding – Can explore family relationships in detail.
Strength 2: Clarification possible – Researchers can explain questions if needed.
Limitation 1: Time-consuming – Harder to study large numbers of families.
Limitation 2: Interviewer bias – Tone or wording may influence answers.
Q3: Describe two strengths and two limitations of using observations to study family life.
Answer:
Strength 1: Natural behavior – Observing families in real settings increases validity.
Strength 2: Rich detail – Captures interactions that might be missed in surveys.
Limitation 1: Ethical issues – Privacy concerns when watching family life.
Limitation 2: Observer bias – Researcher’s views may shape interpretations.
10-mark Questions (5 points each with explanation)
Q1: Explain how families contribute to primary socialization.
Answer:
Imitation – Children copy parents’ behavior.
Sanctions – Parents reward or punish to teach norms.
Language learning – Families teach children to communicate.
Moral values – Parents instill ideas of right and wrong.
Cultural traditions – Families pass on customs and beliefs.
Q2: Explain reasons for the increase in single-parent families.
Answer:
Higher divorce rates – More marriages ending leads to single parents.
Changing attitudes – Less stigma about raising children alone.
Legal changes – Easier to get child custody independently.
Economic independence – More women can support families alone.
Relationship breakdown – Couples separating before or after childbirth.
Q3: Explain reasons for the decline in extended families.
Answer:
Geographical mobility – Families move for jobs, separating from kin.
Urbanization – Smaller homes make extended living harder.
Individualism – Focus on nuclear family over wider kin.
State welfare – Less reliance on family for support.
Changing values – Preference for privacy and independence.
15-mark Essay Questions (full essay form)
Essay 1: ‘The nuclear family is the best type of family for society.’ Discuss this view.
Introduction
The nuclear family consists of parents and their dependent children living together. Some argue it is best for society due to stability and socialisation. Others believe other forms, like extended or single-parent families, also meet social needs.
Body 1: Arguments for the nuclear family
Functionalists argue it provides primary socialisation, teaching children norms and values. It offers emotional support in a stable environment. Economic cooperation between parents helps meet needs. Parsons claimed the nuclear family is well-suited to modern industrial societies, where mobility is important.
Body 2: Arguments against it being best
However, other families meet these needs too. Extended families provide support across generations. Single-parent families can also offer love and stability. Critics argue nuclear families may isolate members from wider kin. Feminists highlight gender inequality in nuclear families, where women may bear unequal domestic burdens.
Conclusion
While the nuclear family has benefits, it is not the only or necessarily the best family type. I believe a variety of family structures can meet society’s needs effectively.
Essay 2: ‘The family is essential for society.’ Discuss this view.
Introduction
The family is a social institution responsible for socialisation and support. Some see it as essential for maintaining social order and stability. Others argue other institutions can take over its functions or that families can also cause problems.
Body 1: Family is essential
Functionalists say family does primary socialisation, teaching norms for social order. It provides emotional support essential for well-being. Families also offer economic support through pooled resources. Parsons argues family adapts to society’s needs, maintaining stability.
Body 2: Family is not essential
Marxists argue the family supports capitalism by socialising obedience and providing unpaid labour. Feminists see family as a site of gender inequality, reinforcing patriarchy. Alternative institutions like schools, welfare systems, and friendship networks can also provide socialisation and support.
Conclusion
Although the family is important, it is not the only way society’s needs are met. I believe it remains valuable but is not essential in a modern, complex society with other support systems.
Essay 3: ‘Women’s roles in the family have changed significantly.’ Discuss this view.
Introduction
Women’s roles in the family refer to their responsibilities and expectations, traditionally focused on childcare and domestic work. Some argue these roles have changed significantly, while others see continuity in traditional expectations.
Body 1: Evidence of change
More women work outside the home, contributing to family income. Shared domestic work is increasingly common. Legal changes promote equal rights in marriage and parenting. Changing social attitudes encourage gender equality in family life.
Body 2: Evidence of continuity
However, women still do most housework and childcare even if employed. Pay gaps and part-time work limit economic independence. Traditional expectations persist in some cultures and communities. Feminists argue that despite change, patriarchal structures remain strong.
Conclusion
Women’s roles in families have changed significantly in many ways, but traditional inequalities persist. I believe there has been real progress, but work remains to achieve full equality.
QUESTIONS DONE BY FARIDA SABET
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