Question 1

SOURCE TEXT:
Item B
In 1982, Ann Oakley defined the conventional family as a nuclear family that consisted of a married couple and their children who lived together. She identified a number of features associated with conventional families:
• Women were expected to do unpaid work inside the home while men were expected to do paid work outside the home.
• The man's economic power was linked to his income from paid work.
• The woman's dependence on the man's wages was an aspect of inequality.
Statistically the conventional family is no longer the norm, but according to Oakley the idea of the conventional family life remained a powerful one in society.
Source: Oakley, A, Conventional Families, 1982.

QUESTION:
From Item B, identify and describe one way in which Oakley saw the conventional family as being patriarchal, including what you know of her perspective on the family.

Accepted Answer

First, carefully read Item B and identify a feature that demonstrates male power or female disadvantage. The item lists several. Choose one, such as 'The woman's dependence on the man's wages'. Then, describe this feature using your own words and link it to the concept of patriarchy. Finally, add your own knowledge by explaining that Oakley is a feminist who sees this economic inequality as a key way men dominate women within the family.

Question 2

What mistakes do candidates make on this AQA GCSE question?

Accepted Answer

Students might only quote from the item without adding their own sociological knowledge about Oakley's feminist perspective or the concept of patriarchy. To get full marks, you must link the item to wider concepts.

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