2025 AQA AS SOCIOLOGY Paper 2 Research Methods and
Topics in Sociology Question Paper & Mark Scheme (Merged)
Tuesday 20 May 2025 [VERIFIED]
AS
SOCIOLOGY
Paper 2 Research Methods and Topics in Sociology
Tuesday 20 May 2025 Morning Time allowed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
an AQA 12-page answer book.
Instructions
Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 7191/2.
Answer all questions 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 60.
Questions carrying 10 marks or more should be answered in continuous prose. In these questions
you will be marked on your ability to:
use good English
organise information clearly
use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
7 1 9 1/2
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IB/G/Jun25/G4004/E5
, 2
Section A
Research Methods
Answer all questions in this section.
0 1 Outline two factors that influence a sociologist’s choice of research topic.
[4 marks]
0 2 Evaluate the disadvantages of using official statistics in sociological research.
[16 marks]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
IB/G/Jun25/7191/2
, 3
Section B
Choose one topic from this section and answer all the questions on that topic.
Topic B1 Culture and Identity
0 3 Define the term ‘popular culture’.
[2 marks]
0 4 Using one example, briefly explain how the perceptions of others may affect an
individual’s sense of identity.
[2 marks]
0 5 Outline three characteristics of a subculture.
[6 marks]
0 6 Outline and explain two ways in which an individual’s social experiences may be shaped
by ethnicity.
[10 marks]
0 7 Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.
Item A
Some feminists argue that the role of socialisation is to reinforce patriarchy and gender
inequality. They suggest that agencies of socialisation, such as the family and the
media, transmit values that justify gender inequality and reproduce traditional gender
roles.
However, other sociologists argue that patriarchy has significantly declined in
society. Some view the socialisation process in a more positive light, arguing that it
creates harmony and stability in society.
Applying material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the feminist view that the
role of socialisation is to reinforce and reproduce patriarchy.
[20 marks]
Turn over for the next topic
for more: tyrioTnu
parpnerso.cvoemr ►
IB/G/Jun25/7191/2
, 4
Topic B2 Families and Households
0 8 Define the term ‘dual burden’.
[2 marks]
0 9 Using one example, briefly explain why there has been a decline in marriage rates.
[2 marks]
1 0 Outline three reasons why lone parent families are more likely to be headed by a woman.
[6 marks]
1 1 Outline and explain two ways in which family diversity may impact on the domestic
division of labour.
[10 marks]
1 2 Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.
Item B
Marxists see social institutions as serving the interests of capitalism. They argue that
institutions such as the family help to maintain the system of class inequality and
exploitation. One way in which the family does this is by socialising children into
accepting hierarchies. The family is also an important market for consumer goods.
Alternatively, functionalists argue that the family performs vital functions for society.
For example, it benefits family members by offering mutual support and emotional
satisfaction.
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the Marxist view that the
main role of the family is to serve the interests of capitalism.
[20 marks]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
IB/G/Jun25/7191/2
Topics in Sociology Question Paper & Mark Scheme (Merged)
Tuesday 20 May 2025 [VERIFIED]
AS
SOCIOLOGY
Paper 2 Research Methods and Topics in Sociology
Tuesday 20 May 2025 Morning Time allowed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
an AQA 12-page answer book.
Instructions
Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 7191/2.
Answer all questions 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 60.
Questions carrying 10 marks or more should be answered in continuous prose. In these questions
you will be marked on your ability to:
use good English
organise information clearly
use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
7 1 9 1/2
for more: tyrionp ap ers .com
IB/G/Jun25/G4004/E5
, 2
Section A
Research Methods
Answer all questions in this section.
0 1 Outline two factors that influence a sociologist’s choice of research topic.
[4 marks]
0 2 Evaluate the disadvantages of using official statistics in sociological research.
[16 marks]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
IB/G/Jun25/7191/2
, 3
Section B
Choose one topic from this section and answer all the questions on that topic.
Topic B1 Culture and Identity
0 3 Define the term ‘popular culture’.
[2 marks]
0 4 Using one example, briefly explain how the perceptions of others may affect an
individual’s sense of identity.
[2 marks]
0 5 Outline three characteristics of a subculture.
[6 marks]
0 6 Outline and explain two ways in which an individual’s social experiences may be shaped
by ethnicity.
[10 marks]
0 7 Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.
Item A
Some feminists argue that the role of socialisation is to reinforce patriarchy and gender
inequality. They suggest that agencies of socialisation, such as the family and the
media, transmit values that justify gender inequality and reproduce traditional gender
roles.
However, other sociologists argue that patriarchy has significantly declined in
society. Some view the socialisation process in a more positive light, arguing that it
creates harmony and stability in society.
Applying material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the feminist view that the
role of socialisation is to reinforce and reproduce patriarchy.
[20 marks]
Turn over for the next topic
for more: tyrioTnu
parpnerso.cvoemr ►
IB/G/Jun25/7191/2
, 4
Topic B2 Families and Households
0 8 Define the term ‘dual burden’.
[2 marks]
0 9 Using one example, briefly explain why there has been a decline in marriage rates.
[2 marks]
1 0 Outline three reasons why lone parent families are more likely to be headed by a woman.
[6 marks]
1 1 Outline and explain two ways in which family diversity may impact on the domestic
division of labour.
[10 marks]
1 2 Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.
Item B
Marxists see social institutions as serving the interests of capitalism. They argue that
institutions such as the family help to maintain the system of class inequality and
exploitation. One way in which the family does this is by socialising children into
accepting hierarchies. The family is also an important market for consumer goods.
Alternatively, functionalists argue that the family performs vital functions for society.
For example, it benefits family members by offering mutual support and emotional
satisfaction.
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the Marxist view that the
main role of the family is to serve the interests of capitalism.
[20 marks]
for more: tyrionpapers.com
IB/G/Jun25/7191/2
