Cambridge International AS & A Level: Sociology 9699/21
Cambridge International AS & A Level: Sociology 9699/21
Cambridge International AS & A Level: Sociology 9699/21
SOCIOLOGY 9699/21
Paper 2 The Family October/November 2023
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 60
Published
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.
These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme,
referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should
not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.
a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly
convey the same meaning (unless the mark scheme requires a specific term)
b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they
are correct
c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one
prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended writing is required rather than list-type
answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons …).
d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required.
(Check for evidence it is understood and not used wrongly.)
e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all
possibilities
f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already
credited unless the language itself is being tested. This applies equally to ‘mirror
statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted).
g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings of
syllabus terms must allow for clear and unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms
with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion)
3 Calculation questions:
• The mark scheme will show the steps in the most likely correct method(s), the mark for
each step, the correct answer(s) and the mark for each answer
• If working/explanation is considered essential for full credit, this will be indicated in the
question paper and in the mark scheme. In all other instances, the correct answer to a
calculation should be given full credit, even if no supporting working is shown.
• Where the candidate uses a valid method which is not covered by the mark scheme,
award equivalent marks for reaching equivalent stages.
• Where an answer makes use of a candidate’s own incorrect figure from previous working,
the ‘own figure rule’ applies: full marks will be given if a correct and complete method is
used. Further guidance will be included in the mark scheme where necessary and any
exceptions to this general principle will be noted.
4 Annotation:
• For point marking, ticks can be used to indicate correct answers and crosses can be used
to indicate wrong answers. There is no direct relationship between ticks and marks. Ticks
have no defined meaning for levels of response marking.
• For levels of response marking, the level awarded should be annotated on the script.
• Other annotations will be used by examiners as agreed during standardisation, and the
meaning will be understood by all examiners who marked that paper.
Some of the questions are marked using a point-based system, awarding marks for specific points
and accumulating a total mark by adding points.
Some of the questions are marked using levels of response mark schemes. For these, the level
descriptor represents performance at the top of the level. For levels of response marking you
should:
• award a mark at the top of the level if all criteria in the level are met
• consider the level descriptors across the full range, bearing in mind that it is not necessary for a
candidate to give a faultless performance for maximum marks to be awarded within any single
category.
• award marks on a ‘best-fit’ basis; thus, compensation between higher and lower achievement for
different criteria is acceptable.
In some cases, candidates may make some responses which the mark scheme has not predicted.
These answers should nevertheless be credited according to their quality.
Annotation Meaning
Benefit of the doubt given / the point is just about worthy of
credit
E1 Explanation of the point
Evaluation point
Developed point
General point using sociological material but applied to the
GEN
question
Juxtaposition of point
Repetition
Too vague
Incorrect response
Irrelevant material
On page comment
Identification of a point
Indicative Answer
(2 x 2 marks)
2(a) Explain two reasons why cohabitation has become more popular in 8
some societies.
Indicative content.
Reward a maximum of two ways. Up to 4 marks are available for each way.
1 mark for explaining how the material supports the point (e.g. consequently
people increasingly see living together outside of marriage as not being sinful
/ don't fear any religious consequences)
(2 4 marks)
Indicative content
Strengths
• Relevant to/representative of contemporary diverse families – does not
limit the idea of family to just nuclear like structuralist approaches.
• Highlights the flexibility in family practices/roles unlike the meta-narratives
of structuralist approaches.
• Does not judge particular family or relationship set ups as either right or
wrong, rather reflect individual needs unlike New Right approaches.
• Recognises the influence of the media on family life.
• Acknowledges that family life is pluralistic – it is characterised by diversity,
variation and instability.
• Recognises the significance of consumption on family identities.
• Acknowledges that social changes such as increasing social
fragmentation and diversity have made family more a matter of personal
choice.
• Acknowledges the benefits of all/diverse family structures to the individuals
that make up that family.
• Any other appropriate strength
1 mark for describing why postmodernism has this strength (e.g. does not limit
the idea of family to just the nuclear unlike structuralist approaches).
1 mark for explaining why it is a strength (e.g. this has broadened our
understanding that families and their relationships are complex).
(2 3 marks)
3(a) ‘Domestic labour is now shared equally between men and women in the 10
family.’
Explain this view.
Indicative content
Levels of response
Level 0: 0 marks
• No response worthy of credit.
3(b) ‘Domestic labour is now shared equally between men and women in the 6
family.’
Using sociological material, give one argument against this view.
Indicative content
Levels of response
Level 0: 0 marks
• No response worthy of credit.
Indicative content.
4
In support of the view Against the view
Points • Fathers are spending • Dominant view remains
much more time with that children have only
their children compared one ‘real mother’.
to their own fathers • Any other appropriate
previously. point.
Supporting Arfini, Wilkinson, Giddens,
Arfini, Chambers, Parsons,
evidence / Rotundo/Pleck, Grey,
Ford and Millar, functionalism,
theory Dermott, McVeigh and Finch,
Leonard, radical feminism,
Burghes, Park, Thompson,
Hatter et al, Salway et al,
Hatter et al, postmodernism,
Hauari and Hollingworth, Gray,
liberal feminism
Dermott, Sevilla, Hatter et al,
Possible Individualisation, new
hegemonic masculinity,
concepts man/dad, paternity leave,
expressive / instrumental
crisis of masculinity, fully
roles, cultural norms, rational
involved dads, child-centred,
choice theory, enforcer dad,
ideology of monomaternalism
The above content is indicative and other relevant approaches to the question
should be awarded appropriately.
Levels of response
The maximum mark for Question 4 is 26.
Examiners should award up to 8 marks for AO1, up to 8 marks for AO2, and up to 10 marks for AO3.
4 • Good knowledge and understanding of the view that the role of 7–8
parents has changed.
• The response contains a range of detailed points with good use of
concepts and theory / research evidence.
3 • Reasonable knowledge and understanding of the view that the role 5–6
of parents has changed.
• The response contains a narrow range of detailed points or a wider
range of underdeveloped points, with some use of concepts or
theory or research evidence.
2 • Basic knowledge and understanding of the view that the role of 3–4
parents has changed.
• The response contains a narrow range of underdeveloped points
and may include basic references to concepts or theories or
research evidence.
1 • Limited knowledge and understanding of the view that the role of 1–2
parents has changed.
• The response contains only assertive points or common-sense
observations.
3 • The material selected will be accurate and relevant but lacks either 5–6
some development or clear application to the question.
2 • The material selected is relevant to the question but is not applied 3–4
accurately or has limited development.
1 • There is some attempt to apply sociological material but this lacks 1–2
focus on or relevance to the specific question.
5 • Very good analysis/evaluation of the view that the role of parents 9–10
has changed.
• The evaluation is clear, explicit and sustained.
4 • Good analysis/evaluation of the view that the role of parents has 7–8
changed.
• The evaluation is explicit and direct but not sustained or a more
descriptive account of evidence and arguments suggesting the role of
parents may not have changed.
3 • Some analysis/evaluation of the view that the role of parents has 5–6
changed.
• There is juxtaposition of different arguments and theories which are
not clearly focused on the question or a few simple points
suggesting the role of parents may not have changed.
2 • Basic analysis/evaluation of the view that the role of parents has 3–4
changed.
• There is an attempt to consider more than one side of the debate or
one simple point suggesting the role of parents may not have
changed.
1 • Limited analysis/evaluation of the view that the role of parents has 1–2
changed.
• Any analysis or evaluation is incidental, confused or simply
assertive.
5 Evaluate the view that social policies have led to a decline in the nuclear 26
family.
Indicative content.
Levels of response
The maximum mark for Question 5 is 26.
Examiners should award up to 8 marks for AO1, up to 8 marks for AO2, and up to 10 marks for AO3.
4 • Good knowledge and understanding of the view that social policies 7–8
have led to a decline in the nuclear family.
• The response contains a range of detailed points with good use of
concepts and theory / research evidence.
2 • Basic knowledge and understanding of the view that social policies 3–4
have led to a decline in the nuclear family.
• The response contains a narrow range of underdeveloped points
and may include basic references to concepts or theories or
research evidence.
1 • Limited knowledge and understanding of the view that social policies 1–2
have led to a decline in the nuclear family.
• The response contains only assertive points or common-sense
observations.
3 • The material selected will be accurate and relevant but lacks either 5–6
some development or clear application to the question.
2 • The material selected is relevant to the question but is not applied 3–4
accurately or has limited development.
1 • There is some attempt to apply sociological material but this lacks 1–2
focus on or relevance to the specific question.
5 • Very good analysis/evaluation of the view that social policies have 9–10
led to a decline in the nuclear family.
• The evaluation is clear, explicit and sustained.
4 • Good analysis/evaluation of the view that social policies have led to 7–8
a decline in the nuclear family.
• The evaluation is explicit and direct but not sustained or a more
descriptive account of evidence and arguments suggesting that
social policies have not necessarily led to a decline in the nuclear
family.
3 • Some analysis/evaluation of the view that social policies have led to 5–6
a decline in the nuclear family.
• There is juxtaposition of different arguments and theories which are
not clearly focused on the question or a few simple points
suggesting that social policies have not necessarily led to a decline
in the nuclear family.
2 • Basic analysis/evaluation of the view that social policies have led to 3–4
a decline in the nuclear family.
• There is an attempt to consider more than one side of the debate or
one simple point suggesting that social policies have not
necessarily led to a decline in the nuclear family.
1 • Limited analysis/evaluation of the view that social policies have led 1–2
to a decline in the nuclear family.
• Any analysis or evaluation is incidental, confused or simply
assertive.