Changes in family structure over time

    AQA
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyse the transformation of family structures from the pre-industrial era to the postmodern 'risk society'. The study focuses on the transition from the classic extended unit to the isolated nuclear family (Parsons' functional fit) and the subsequent explosion of family diversity (The Rapoports, Postmodernism). Critical analysis must cover demographic drivers (ageing population, declining fertility), legal changes (Divorce Reform Acts), and shifting social norms (secularisation). Assessment requires evaluating whether the nuclear family remains the dominant norm (Chester) or if we have entered an era of 'life course' fluidity (Giddens/Beck).

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit accurate application of sociological terminology such as 'serial monogamy', 'boomerang generation', and 'symmetrical family'.
    • Award marks for explicit application of the provided Item (source material) to support theoretical arguments.
    • Responses must contrast theoretical perspectives, specifically Functionalism (Parsons) against Feminist and Postmodernist views on family diversity.
    • High-level answers must evaluate whether the nuclear family is 'dying' or merely 'evolving' into neo-conventional forms (Chester).

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit accurate application of sociological terminology such as 'serial monogamy', 'boomerang generation', and 'symmetrical family'.
    • Award marks for explicit application of the provided Item (source material) to support theoretical arguments.
    • Responses must contrast theoretical perspectives, specifically Functionalism (Parsons) against Feminist and Postmodernist views on family diversity.
    • High-level answers must evaluate whether the nuclear family is 'dying' or merely 'evolving' into neo-conventional forms (Chester).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 12-mark questions, use the PERC structure: Point, Explanation, Reference (to Item/Sociologist), Criticism/Conclusion.
    • 💡When using the Item, do not just copy it; interpret the text to trigger AO2 application marks (e.g., 'The Item mentions rising divorce, which sociologists link to the Divorce Reform Act...').
    • 💡Allocate strictly 15 minutes for the 12-mark essay to ensure sufficient time for the rest of the paper.
    • 💡Avoid absolute statements; use tentative language like 'suggests', 'indicates', or 'may contribute to' when discussing trends.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'household' (shared residence) with 'family' (kinship ties) when defining structures.
    • Relying on anecdotal personal experience or 'common sense' rather than citing sociological studies (e.g., Young and Willmott).
    • Failing to explicitly reference the Item in 12-mark 'Discuss' questions, capping the mark at Band 2.
    • Describing changes in family structure without explaining the sociological reasons (e.g., changing social norms, legal reforms) behind them.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Outline
    Discuss
    To what extent

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