1* Explain, using examples, the concept of consumer culture. [6]
Consumer culture is a culture based on the emphasis on consumer goods and services,
creating excessive consumption. Conspicuous consumption is when people are seen to
represent and express identity through the consumption of high-status goods such as
designer labels and brands. Sociologist Young describes this as a ‘bulimic society’ where
people crave buying goods, leading to irresponsible behaviour such as going into debt or
crime.
2* Using sources A and B and your wider sociological knowledge, explain how norms
are relative. [12]
Source A shows norms are relative through attitudes towards art, depending on where it's
created. Source A has pictures of graffiti on a wall compared to graffiti-style paintings in a
gallery. Graffiti on the street is associated with crime and deviance and disrupts a
community. Whereas graffiti in a gallery is seen as unique and inspiring. Therefore, showing
that norms are relative depending on where the graffiti is taking place.
Source B shows norms are relative through the development of attitudes towards smoking
through time. In the 1950s, smoking was described as ‘cool and glamorous’ and was
encouraged by many people and the media. However, in recent years, smoking has had
several laws to restrict or ban smoking. Because of health concerns, smoking became
increasingly discouraged and is no longer the norm. Therefore, showing how norms are
relative through time.
Benedict argues that our moral system and norms are shaped by a culture's history and
environment. Therefore, what counts as ‘normal’ varies from one society to another, showing
how norms are relative to the place and its context. Parsons claims social systems adapt
through ‘social evolution’ and norms are defined and redefined as society transitions
between stages, for example, from an agrarian into an industrial society.
3* Outline and briefly evaluate the view that attitudes to sexuality and sexual identity
remain traditional. (20)
One way attitudes to sexuality and sexual identity remain traditional is through Lovelock's
study on media. Lovelock claims the press continues to be negative and condemnatory in
coverage of homosexual issues. For example, the Daily Press put the word marry in inverted
commas when discussing Tom Daley's homosexual wedding. This entrenches negative
attitudes towards homosexual marriages, as they are seen as not legitimate by the media.
Therefore, showing the continuous negative connotations and traditional views of sexuality
and sexual identity still in the media.
Another way attitudes to sexuality and sexual identity remain traditional is through issues in
work and employment. Sociologist Browne created the concept of ‘the glass closet’,
explaining the difficulty in ‘coming out’ in the workplace, as there are chances of
discrimination or marginalisation. Because of their sexuality, they are more likely to be taken
less seriously or hired if the business does not accept someone's sexual identity, therefore
Consumer culture is a culture based on the emphasis on consumer goods and services,
creating excessive consumption. Conspicuous consumption is when people are seen to
represent and express identity through the consumption of high-status goods such as
designer labels and brands. Sociologist Young describes this as a ‘bulimic society’ where
people crave buying goods, leading to irresponsible behaviour such as going into debt or
crime.
2* Using sources A and B and your wider sociological knowledge, explain how norms
are relative. [12]
Source A shows norms are relative through attitudes towards art, depending on where it's
created. Source A has pictures of graffiti on a wall compared to graffiti-style paintings in a
gallery. Graffiti on the street is associated with crime and deviance and disrupts a
community. Whereas graffiti in a gallery is seen as unique and inspiring. Therefore, showing
that norms are relative depending on where the graffiti is taking place.
Source B shows norms are relative through the development of attitudes towards smoking
through time. In the 1950s, smoking was described as ‘cool and glamorous’ and was
encouraged by many people and the media. However, in recent years, smoking has had
several laws to restrict or ban smoking. Because of health concerns, smoking became
increasingly discouraged and is no longer the norm. Therefore, showing how norms are
relative through time.
Benedict argues that our moral system and norms are shaped by a culture's history and
environment. Therefore, what counts as ‘normal’ varies from one society to another, showing
how norms are relative to the place and its context. Parsons claims social systems adapt
through ‘social evolution’ and norms are defined and redefined as society transitions
between stages, for example, from an agrarian into an industrial society.
3* Outline and briefly evaluate the view that attitudes to sexuality and sexual identity
remain traditional. (20)
One way attitudes to sexuality and sexual identity remain traditional is through Lovelock's
study on media. Lovelock claims the press continues to be negative and condemnatory in
coverage of homosexual issues. For example, the Daily Press put the word marry in inverted
commas when discussing Tom Daley's homosexual wedding. This entrenches negative
attitudes towards homosexual marriages, as they are seen as not legitimate by the media.
Therefore, showing the continuous negative connotations and traditional views of sexuality
and sexual identity still in the media.
Another way attitudes to sexuality and sexual identity remain traditional is through issues in
work and employment. Sociologist Browne created the concept of ‘the glass closet’,
explaining the difficulty in ‘coming out’ in the workplace, as there are chances of
discrimination or marginalisation. Because of their sexuality, they are more likely to be taken
less seriously or hired if the business does not accept someone's sexual identity, therefore
