A-level
SOCIOLOGY A-level
Paper 2 Topics in Sociology SOCIOLOGY
Wednesday 3 June 2026 Morning Time allowed: 2 hours
7192/2
Materials Paper 2 Topics in Sociology
For t per you must have:
• an 16-page answer book. Mark scheme
Instructions June 2026
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 7192/2. Version: 1.0 Final
• Answer all questions from one topic in Section A and all questions from one topic in Section B.
• Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
Information
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 80.
• Questions should be answered in continuous prose.
You will be marked on your ability to:
− use good English
− organise information clearly
− use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
IB/G/Jun26/G4006/V3 7192/2
, 2
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL SOCIOLOGY – 7192/2 – JUNE 2026
Section A
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
Choose one topic from this section and answer all the questions on that topic.
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
Topic A1 Culture and Identity this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
0 1 Outline and explain two ways that age may be seen as a social construction. answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
[10 marks] standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
0 2 Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
Item A assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
Globalisation has made it easier for some people to access different lifestyle
choices. Others may face fewer job opportunities which may lead to uncertainty about No student should be disadvantaged on the basis of their gender identity and/or how they refer to the
the future. gender identity of others in their exam responses.
Subcultures may develop as a result of globalisation. A consistent use of ‘they/them’ as a singular and pronouns beyond ‘she/her’ or ‘he/him’ will be credited in
exam responses in line with existing mark scheme criteria.
Applying material from Item A, analyse two reasons why subcultures may develop as a
result of globalisation.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from
[10 marks]
0 3 Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.
Item B
Nationality affects life chances, lifestyle choices, and consumption patterns.
Functionalists argue that nationality is important in shaping identity and creating a
sense of belonging to society. For example, countries have their own national anthems
and flags, which may provide people with a collective identity.
Other sociologists argue that nationality has become less important in shaping identity,
and that factors like gender and social class are more important.
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the extent to which
nationality is the most important factor in shaping identity.
[20 marks]
information
retains the on all its publications. Howev gistered schools/colleges for are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their
internal use following important exception: cannot give permission to sc /colleges to photocopy any material that is
acknowledged to a third party even for internal use withi centre.
and its licensors. All rights reserved.
2
IB/G/Jun26/7192/2
, 3
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL SOCIOLOGY – 7192/2 – JUNE 2026
Topic A2 Families and Households
Level of response marking instructions
0 4 Outline and explain two ways that social change may affect gender roles in families.
[10 marks] Level of response mark schemes are broken down into levels, each of which has a descriptor. The
descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level. There are marks in each level.
0 5 Read Item C below and answer the question that follows. Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and annotate it (as
instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme.
Item C Step 1 Determine a level
The state may offer welfare benefits to families. State policies have increased the Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the
number of years that young people spend in education. descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in
the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it
State policies may affect the functions performed by families. meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the answer. With
practice and familiarity you will find that for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the
Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways in which state policies may affect the lower levels of the mark scheme.
functions performed by families.
[10 marks] When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer and not look to pick holes in
small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed quite as well as the rest. If
the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a best fit
approach for defining the level and then use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within
0 6 Read Item D below and answer the question that follows.
the level, ie if the response is predominantly level 3 with a small amount of level 4 material it would be
placed in level 3 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 4 content.
Item D
Step 2 Determine a mark
There are many different views on the experience of childhood today. Some
sociologists suggest childhood can be a negative experience with an increase in Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to allocate
pressure on children to achieve at school. Furthermore, Marxists argue working class marks can help with this. The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help. There will be an
children may experience poverty and stigma in today’s consumer-driven society. answer in the standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This
answer will have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer
However, other sociologists suggest the experience of childhood is improving. For with the example to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then
example, there has been an increase in children’s rights. use this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example.
You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to clarify points and
Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate the view that childhood has assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.
become a negative experience in society today.
[20 marks] Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not intended to be
exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to cover all of the points
mentioned in the Indicative content to reach the highest level of the mark scheme.
An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks.
3
Turn over ►
IB/G/Jun26/7192/2
, 4
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL SOCIOLOGY – 7192/2 – JUNE 2026
Topic A3 Health
Topic A1 Culture and Identity
0 7 Outline and explain two ways in which access to healthcare may be influenced by where
Total
an individual lives in the UK. Qu Marking guidance
marks
[10 marks]
01 Outline and explain two ways that age may be seen as a social construction. 10
0 8 Read Item E below and answer the question that follows.
Item E Marks Level descriptors
The biomedical model argues that doctors objectively diagnose physical 8–10 Answers in this band will show very good knowledge and understanding of two ways that
symptoms. Doctors use scientific knowledge to try to find a cure. age may be seen as a social construction.
There are criticisms of using the biomedical model to explain disability. There will be two applications of relevant material, eg age is something that is taught
through primary socialisation; perceptions of age-specific behaviours change over time.
Applying material from Item E, analyse two criticisms of using the biomedical model to
There will be appropriate analysis, eg the extent to which age may be seen as a social
explain disability.
construction.
[10 marks]
4–7 Answers in this band will show a reasonable to good knowledge and understanding of one
or two ways in which age may be seen as a social construction.
0 9 Read Item F below and answer the question that follows.
There will be one or two applications of relevant material, eg the interpretations and actions
Item F of others, which allow people to understand how to construct their behaviour at different
ages.
Some sociologists argue that the globalised health industry has increased the
There will be some basic analysis.
availability of medical technology and treatments. Medical tourism has also grown,
allowing access to affordable treatments abroad for interventions like cosmetic surgery
1–3 Answers in this band will show limited knowledge and little or no understanding of the
or fertility treatment.
question or the material.
However, Marxists argue that businesses prioritise profit over patient welfare, placing There will be limited focus on the question, eg drift into discussion of social constructionist
some patients at a disadvantage. explanations in relation to other social groups.
Applying material from Item F and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the globalised There will be little or no analysis.
health industry has had a positive impact on the health of individuals living in the
UK today. 0 No relevant points.
[20 marks]
Indicative content
Answers may include the following and/or other relevant points:
• socialisation process may teach age specific behaviours eg parents or the media
• historical differences eg childhood is now seen as a very distinct stage in life, but didn’t always used
to be
• age specific groups may create their own subcultures eg youth subcultures
• age may be learned by how others see and define certain life stages, eg through laws
• cross-cultural differences in the perception of age
• age discrimination may lead to set stereotypes.
4
IB/G/Jun26/7192/2
SOCIOLOGY A-level
Paper 2 Topics in Sociology SOCIOLOGY
Wednesday 3 June 2026 Morning Time allowed: 2 hours
7192/2
Materials Paper 2 Topics in Sociology
For t per you must have:
• an 16-page answer book. Mark scheme
Instructions June 2026
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 7192/2. Version: 1.0 Final
• Answer all questions from one topic in Section A and all questions from one topic in Section B.
• Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
Information
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 80.
• Questions should be answered in continuous prose.
You will be marked on your ability to:
− use good English
− organise information clearly
− use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
IB/G/Jun26/G4006/V3 7192/2
, 2
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL SOCIOLOGY – 7192/2 – JUNE 2026
Section A
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
Choose one topic from this section and answer all the questions on that topic.
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
Topic A1 Culture and Identity this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
0 1 Outline and explain two ways that age may be seen as a social construction. answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
[10 marks] standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
0 2 Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
Item A assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
Globalisation has made it easier for some people to access different lifestyle
choices. Others may face fewer job opportunities which may lead to uncertainty about No student should be disadvantaged on the basis of their gender identity and/or how they refer to the
the future. gender identity of others in their exam responses.
Subcultures may develop as a result of globalisation. A consistent use of ‘they/them’ as a singular and pronouns beyond ‘she/her’ or ‘he/him’ will be credited in
exam responses in line with existing mark scheme criteria.
Applying material from Item A, analyse two reasons why subcultures may develop as a
result of globalisation.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from
[10 marks]
0 3 Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.
Item B
Nationality affects life chances, lifestyle choices, and consumption patterns.
Functionalists argue that nationality is important in shaping identity and creating a
sense of belonging to society. For example, countries have their own national anthems
and flags, which may provide people with a collective identity.
Other sociologists argue that nationality has become less important in shaping identity,
and that factors like gender and social class are more important.
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the extent to which
nationality is the most important factor in shaping identity.
[20 marks]
information
retains the on all its publications. Howev gistered schools/colleges for are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their
internal use following important exception: cannot give permission to sc /colleges to photocopy any material that is
acknowledged to a third party even for internal use withi centre.
and its licensors. All rights reserved.
2
IB/G/Jun26/7192/2
, 3
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL SOCIOLOGY – 7192/2 – JUNE 2026
Topic A2 Families and Households
Level of response marking instructions
0 4 Outline and explain two ways that social change may affect gender roles in families.
[10 marks] Level of response mark schemes are broken down into levels, each of which has a descriptor. The
descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level. There are marks in each level.
0 5 Read Item C below and answer the question that follows. Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and annotate it (as
instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme.
Item C Step 1 Determine a level
The state may offer welfare benefits to families. State policies have increased the Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the
number of years that young people spend in education. descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in
the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it
State policies may affect the functions performed by families. meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the answer. With
practice and familiarity you will find that for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the
Applying material from Item C, analyse two ways in which state policies may affect the lower levels of the mark scheme.
functions performed by families.
[10 marks] When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer and not look to pick holes in
small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed quite as well as the rest. If
the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a best fit
approach for defining the level and then use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within
0 6 Read Item D below and answer the question that follows.
the level, ie if the response is predominantly level 3 with a small amount of level 4 material it would be
placed in level 3 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 4 content.
Item D
Step 2 Determine a mark
There are many different views on the experience of childhood today. Some
sociologists suggest childhood can be a negative experience with an increase in Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to allocate
pressure on children to achieve at school. Furthermore, Marxists argue working class marks can help with this. The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help. There will be an
children may experience poverty and stigma in today’s consumer-driven society. answer in the standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This
answer will have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer
However, other sociologists suggest the experience of childhood is improving. For with the example to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then
example, there has been an increase in children’s rights. use this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example.
You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to clarify points and
Applying material from Item D and your knowledge, evaluate the view that childhood has assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.
become a negative experience in society today.
[20 marks] Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not intended to be
exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to cover all of the points
mentioned in the Indicative content to reach the highest level of the mark scheme.
An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks.
3
Turn over ►
IB/G/Jun26/7192/2
, 4
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL SOCIOLOGY – 7192/2 – JUNE 2026
Topic A3 Health
Topic A1 Culture and Identity
0 7 Outline and explain two ways in which access to healthcare may be influenced by where
Total
an individual lives in the UK. Qu Marking guidance
marks
[10 marks]
01 Outline and explain two ways that age may be seen as a social construction. 10
0 8 Read Item E below and answer the question that follows.
Item E Marks Level descriptors
The biomedical model argues that doctors objectively diagnose physical 8–10 Answers in this band will show very good knowledge and understanding of two ways that
symptoms. Doctors use scientific knowledge to try to find a cure. age may be seen as a social construction.
There are criticisms of using the biomedical model to explain disability. There will be two applications of relevant material, eg age is something that is taught
through primary socialisation; perceptions of age-specific behaviours change over time.
Applying material from Item E, analyse two criticisms of using the biomedical model to
There will be appropriate analysis, eg the extent to which age may be seen as a social
explain disability.
construction.
[10 marks]
4–7 Answers in this band will show a reasonable to good knowledge and understanding of one
or two ways in which age may be seen as a social construction.
0 9 Read Item F below and answer the question that follows.
There will be one or two applications of relevant material, eg the interpretations and actions
Item F of others, which allow people to understand how to construct their behaviour at different
ages.
Some sociologists argue that the globalised health industry has increased the
There will be some basic analysis.
availability of medical technology and treatments. Medical tourism has also grown,
allowing access to affordable treatments abroad for interventions like cosmetic surgery
1–3 Answers in this band will show limited knowledge and little or no understanding of the
or fertility treatment.
question or the material.
However, Marxists argue that businesses prioritise profit over patient welfare, placing There will be limited focus on the question, eg drift into discussion of social constructionist
some patients at a disadvantage. explanations in relation to other social groups.
Applying material from Item F and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the globalised There will be little or no analysis.
health industry has had a positive impact on the health of individuals living in the
UK today. 0 No relevant points.
[20 marks]
Indicative content
Answers may include the following and/or other relevant points:
• socialisation process may teach age specific behaviours eg parents or the media
• historical differences eg childhood is now seen as a very distinct stage in life, but didn’t always used
to be
• age specific groups may create their own subcultures eg youth subcultures
• age may be learned by how others see and define certain life stages, eg through laws
• cross-cultural differences in the perception of age
• age discrimination may lead to set stereotypes.
4
IB/G/Jun26/7192/2
