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EnglandSociologyQuick questions
Families and relationships (Component 1, Section B)
Quick questions on Power and childhood in families - OCR A-Level Sociology Families and relationships
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is domestic violence?Show answer
Domestic violence is patterned by gender. Dobash and Dobash's classic study found that violence against women was often triggered when men felt their authority was challenged, and was bound up with male power in the home. Radical feminists see domestic violence as an expression of patriarchy, supported by a state and police reluctant to intervene in the "private" sphere (a point made by Cheal). Materialist explanations link it to poverty and stress.
What is the social construction of childhood?Show answer
Childhood is socially constructed: it is shaped by society rather than fixed by biology. Aries argues that in medieval Europe childhood as a separate stage did not exist; children were treated as "little adults", working and dressing like grown-ups, and a distinct, protected childhood is a relatively modern invention. The experience of childhood also varies cross-culturally, with children in some societies taking adult responsibilities early, which confirms it is socially constructed.
What is childhood is socially constructed?Show answer
it is shaped by society rather than fixed by biology. Aries argues that in medieval Europe childhood as a separate stage did not exist; children were treated as "little adults", working and dressing like grown-ups, and a distinct, protected childhood is a relatively modern invention. The experience of childhood also varies cross-culturally, with children in some societies taking adult responsibilities early, which confirms it is socially constructed.
What is q1?Show answer
Outline two studies of power and decision-making within families. [4 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Outline and explain two reasons why some sociologists argue childhood is changing. [12 marks]
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