1. 2004
(b) Explain briefly what sociologists mean by a reconstituted or blended family. (2 marks)

2. Ans 1 mark for simple explanation.
2 marks for clear explanation conveying notion of parts of divorced/split families joining together to form new family.

3. (c) Identify and explain one criticism that some sociologists have made of the nuclear family.
(3 marks)

4. Ans
3 marks for identification with clear explanation explicitly linked to criticism of the nuclear family - eg feminist critiques such as how patriarchy means women are exploited, criticisms based on domestic violence/child, emotional harm do to women by men for example making them work and as well as looking after the family so they can’t go out,

5. (b) Explain one method used by parents to socialise their children
(b) Explain one method used by parents to socialise their children. (2 marks)

6. 1 mark for simple explanation.
2 marks for clear explanation of appropriate method e.g. by reward/punishment when doing something for a parent like tidying their room; by example such as showing a child what to do when eating out; by teaching a child how to clean their shoes or bake a cake

7. (c) Relationships between parents and children have changed during the last 50 years. Identify and explain one change in relationships between parents and children. (3 marks)

8. marks for identification of appropriate change e. g
marks for identification of appropriate change e.g. greater democracy these means children have more freedom and are treated more like equals than in the past when children had to be quiet unless spoken to; more child centred – this means the thoughts and ideas of children are respected more when in the past they were never respected; relationship likely to extend to a greater age – this means parents remain on friendly terms which they weren’t in the past

9. June 06
(b) There’s been an increase in the proportion of lone parent households over the period 1971 to Briefly outline one sociological explanation for this increase. (2 marks)

10. There are marks for clear explanation explicitly linked to lone parenthood, eg of changes in divorce rate as more people get divorced; of increase in teenage pregnancies; change in social attitudes so it’s ok to be a single parent; changes in benefit laws so women are entitled to claim benefits when they weren’t in the past; it’s easier for women to have a career and give their children to child minders instead of having to be married and stay at home

11. (c) The number of people living on their own has increased over recent years. Identify and explain one reason for this change. (3 marks)

12. Marks for identification eg people getting married later for reasons like they want to try out different partners before settling down; demands of career so people try to get more money before settling down; longer life expectancy so people don’t want to live with one person for years; cost of getting married might mean people live on their own longer

13. June 07
Explain briefly one possible consequence for family members of living in a reconstituted or step family. (2 marks)

14. Marks for clear explanation
Marks for clear explanation. Candidates may offer either positive or negative consequences. For example references are to the problems of adjusting to new members such as new step –dad, step brothers and sisters; different expectations of role behaviour such as having to be told by a new step mum/dad whet the new house rules are; conflicts caused by nature of family for example increase in size, new rules, moving to new home ; possible abuse or possible freedom from former abuse; freedom to pursue new life.

15. (c) Identify and explain one reason why more couples today choose to live together rather than marry. (3 marks)

16. Marks for identification of an appropriate reason, eg changing social attitudes; decline of religious ideals; fear of divorce.