University of Cambridge International Examinations General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level

This document consists of 4 printed pages.
PB (SK) T65062
UCLES 2009 [Turn over
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS
General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST
If you have been given an Answer Booklet, follow the instructions on the front cover of the Booklet.
Write your Centre number, candidate number and name on all the work you hand in.
Write in dark blue or black pen.
You may use a soft pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working.
Do not use staples, paper clips, highlighters, glue or correction fluid.
Answer Question 1 and three questions from Sections B to D.
At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together.
The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
*
2
0
4
6
9
2
1
1
2
8
*
SOCIOLOGY 2251/01
Paper 1 October/November 2009
2 hours 30 minutes
Additional Materials: Answer Booklet/Paper
2
2251/01/O/N/09 UCLES 2009
Section A: Research Methods
Observational research aims to gain a close and detailed understanding of a particular area of study,
usually a small group, through the researcher studying the group in their natural environment. This
form of study can be either participant or non-participant.
Observational studies can also be conducted in a covert or overt way. In the case of overt observation
the researchers will reveal their identity to the group they are studying; in covert observation they will
remain hidden.
Observational studies tend to produce qualitative rather than quantitative data. Although the studies
may produce in-depth data, they can lack reliability and there may be difficulties in recording the
observations.
1 (a) In sociological research, what is meant by the terms:
(i) participant observation [2]
(ii) quantitative data [2]
(iii) reliability. [2]
(b) Describe the difference between participant and non-participant observation. [4]
(c) Describe one advantage and one disadvantage in carrying out overt observation. [4]
(d) Describe two problems in carrying out covert observation. [4]
(e) Describe two reasons why participant observers may find it difficult to record their observations
accurately when studying the group. [4]
(f) Describe two strengths and two limitations of qualitative data in sociological research. [8]
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2251/01/O/N/09 UCLES 2009 [Turn over
Section B: Culture and Socialisation
2 Many sociologists believe that people are socialised into the norms and values of society, rather
than inheriting them.
(a) What is meant by the term values? [2]
(b) Describe two ways that people learn the norms and values of society. [4]
(c) Explain why sociologists think socialisation is more important than instinct in shaping social
behaviour. [6]
(d) To what extent do people who live within a culture share the same norms and values? [8]
3 It has been claimed that children generally experience more social control than adults.
(a) What is meant by the term social control? [2]
(b) Describe two ways children are treated differently compared to adults in modern industrial
societies. [4]
(c) Explain how children are controlled in modern industrial societies. [6]
(d) To what extent does the experience of childhood vary according to factors such as social
class, gender and culture? [8]
Section C: Social Stratification
4 Professional groups, such as doctors and lawyers, are often thought to have a higher social status
compared to manual workers.
(a) What is meant by the term status? [2]
(b) Describe two characteristics of professional groups. [4]
(c) Explain why working class people often find it difficult to move into the middle class. [6]
(d) How far does a persons social class background continue to affect their life chances? [8]
5 Many sociologists believe that gender role socialisation is different for boys and girls and this has
major effects on their life chances.
(a) What is meant by gender role socialisation? [2]
(b) Describe two ways that boys may be treated differently compared to girls in the family. [4]
(c) Explain how gender socialisation in childhood may affect womens employment opportunities.
[6]
(d) How far have womens life chances improved in recent years? [8]
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2251/01/O/N/09 UCLES 2009
Section D: Power and Authority
6 In democracies pressure groups can be an important means of influencing government.
(a) What is meant by the term pressure group? [2]
(b) Describe two ways through which pressure groups try to influence governments. [4]
(c) Explain how individuals can influence governments in a democracy. [6]
(d) Marxists claim that it is elite groups that hold power in modern industrial societies. How far is
this claim true? [8]
7 The media may play a role in political socialisation but sociologists also believe other influences
have an effect on peoples political attitudes.
(a) What is meant by the term political socialisation? [2]
(b) Describe two ways that the media might influence a persons political view. [4]
(c) Explain how a persons social background may influence their political views. [6]
(d) How far have the factors that affect voting behaviour changed in recent years? [8]
Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every
reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the
publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity.
University of Cambridge International Examinations is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is itself a department of the University of Cambridge.

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