Additional Tips for answering essay questions (Paper 3)

FAMILIES AND HOUSEHOLDS

• Always be neutral: write about the various types of families and show how the 'best' type depends on the context.

For example, in modern industrial societies the middle class prefer isolated nuclear families as they are socially mobile but working class communities would prefer a larger extended family to provide mutual support.

• Include a debate on whether families are EQUAL or UNEQUAL.

EQUAL: symmetrical family, joint conjugal roles, New Man, Social Policies

UNEQUAL: Dark side of the family, 'Traditional' families according to Functionalists and Marxists, where women are often being exploited (sexual division of labour)


EDUCATION


Make sure that you include factors that affect educational achievement which can be due to:

Social Class
Gender
Ethnicity

It is VERY important to write about in-school factors and out of school factors

Questions will normally ask you whether educations systems are EQUAL or UNEQUAL.

To show that it is becoming equal, write about social policies in education (particularly changes that promote opportunities such as the New Vocationalism) and the functionalist view on meritocracy.


CRIME AND DEVIANCE

Include arguments on:

What causes crime and deviance?

This can be explained through various theories which look at the following variables:

Social Class
Gender
Ethnicity
Age
Region (Location)

Examination questions usually pinpoint that a certain group are seen as criminals but you need to make sure that your essay touches upon the issue that crimes done by other groups as well but they often remain HIDDEN.

For example, 'crime is predominantly a working class activity'...... if that is part of the question you will need to highlight that the middle class also commit crimes, and ethnicity and gender should also be taken into account.