Values

    OCR
    GCSE

    Values constitute the fundamental beliefs and guiding principles that define what is considered desirable, moral, and worthy within a specific society. Distinct from specific norms, values act as general guidelines for conduct and are critical to the formation of individual and collective identity. Candidates must analyze the transmission of values through primary and secondary socialization, the concept of value consensus as a mechanism for social cohesion (Durkheim, Parsons), and the opposing conflict theories that view dominant values as ideological tools of the ruling class (Marxism) or patriarchal structures (Feminism). Analysis must also cover the relativity of values across different cultures and historical periods, challenging essentialist views.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Definition of values as general principles (e.g., wealth, health, achievement)
    • Concept of 'Value Consensus' (associated with Functionalism/Parsons)
    • Concept of values as 'Ruling Class Ideology' (associated with Marxism)
    • Relativity of values: Cross-cultural and historical variations
    • British Values: Democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for the precise distinction between values (general principles) and norms (specific rules).
    • Credit the application of specific examples, such as 'achievement' in education or 'sanctity of life' in health.
    • Candidates must analyse how values underpin social control and social cohesion (Functionalism) or serve ruling class interests (Marxism).
    • Reward explicit links between values and the agencies of socialisation (family, media, education) that transmit them.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Always pair a value with a corresponding norm to demonstrate understanding (e.g., Value: Respect -> Norm: Not interrupting).
    • 💡In 12 and 24-mark questions, use the PEEL structure to ensure AO3 evaluation is sustained.
    • 💡Explicitly reference 'agencies of socialisation' when explaining how values are internalised.
    • 💡Integrate theoretical debate: contrast Functionalist 'value consensus' with Marxist 'ideological control' for top marks.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'norms' and 'values' without clearly distinguishing the general principle from the specific rule.
    • Asserting that values are universal facts rather than socially constructed and relative concepts.
    • Providing descriptive lists of values without applying sociological theories (Functionalism/Marxism) to explain their function.

    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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