Identity

    OCR
    GCSE

    Identity is analyzed not as a fixed biological essence but as a social construct formed through the dialectic between structural forces (socialisation) and human agency. Candidates must evaluate the transition from modern, production-based identities (class, gender) to postmodern, consumption-based fluidities. Mastery requires critical application of interactionist concepts (labelling, master status) alongside structural theories (Marxism, Functionalism) to explain how agencies of socialisation—family, education, media, peer groups—shape the 'self' in contemporary society.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for precise use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'canalisation', 'cultural capital', 'master status') rather than lay descriptions.
    • Credit responses that explicitly link specific agencies of socialisation to the formation of specific identities (e.g., 'media stereotypes reinforcing hegemonic masculinity').
    • High-level responses must contrast theoretical perspectives, such as juxtaposing Functionalist views on role allocation with Marxist views on class reproduction.
    • Evaluation must assess the relative importance of agencies, for example, arguing whether peer groups have superseded the family as the primary agent of socialisation in adolescence.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'canalisation', 'cultural capital', 'master status') rather than lay descriptions.
    • Credit responses that explicitly link specific agencies of socialisation to the formation of specific identities (e.g., 'media stereotypes reinforcing hegemonic masculinity').
    • High-level responses must contrast theoretical perspectives, such as juxtaposing Functionalist views on role allocation with Marxist views on class reproduction.
    • Evaluation must assess the relative importance of agencies, for example, arguing whether peer groups have superseded the family as the primary agent of socialisation in adolescence.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 12-mark questions, ensure a balanced argument is presented before reaching a substantiated conclusion; do not just list points for one side.
    • 💡Use the 'PERC' structure for paragraphs: Point, Explain, Refer (to a sociologist/study), Critique/Counter-argue.
    • 💡When discussing identity, always specify which aspect (gender, ethnicity, class) is being influenced by the agency in question.
    • 💡Memorise specific studies for each agency of socialisation to move beyond Band 2 generalisations.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'nature' (biological determinism) with 'nurture' (socialisation) when discussing feral children or gender roles.
    • Providing anecdotal or 'common sense' examples instead of citing sociological studies or evidence (e.g., saying 'boys like blue' instead of referencing Oakley).
    • Failing to distinguish between formal social control (police, courts) and informal social control (sanctions, ostracisation) within specific contexts.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent

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