A-level
SOCIOLOGY
Unit 4 Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods;
Stratification and Differentiation with Theory and Methods
Thursday 23 June 2016
Afternoon
Time allowed: 2 hours
Materials
For this paper you must have:
 an AQA 16-page answer book.
Instructions
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A
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Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is SCLY4.
This paper is divided into two sections.
Choose one section and answer all the questions in that section.
Do not answer questions from more than one section.
Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
Information
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The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
The maximum mark for this paper is 90.
All questions should be answered in continuous prose. You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
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SCLY4
2
Choose either Section A or Section B and answer all the questions in that section.
Section A Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
You are advised to spend approximately 30 minutes on question 0
1 .
You are advised to spend approximately 30 minutes on question 0
2 .
You are advised to spend approximately 20 minutes on question 0
3
You are advised to spend approximately 40 minutes on question 0
4 .
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Crime and Deviance
Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.
Item A
Sociologists have different views on the causes of crime and therefore also on how
to prevent crime. Some argue that the best way to prevent crime is to reduce the
opportunities to commit it. These sociologists claim crime exists because criminals
believe they can get away with illegal acts.
Other sociologists believe inequalities in society are the cause of crime. They argue
that crime prevention must deal with the social conditions that result in individuals
being at risk of turning to crime.
0
1
Using material from Item A and elsewhere, assess sociological explanations of the
impact of crime prevention strategies.
[21 marks]
Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.
Item B
The concept of human rights is key to understanding state crime. Some actions of
a state may violate human rights while still being within the laws made by the same
state. The state is able to create or change laws to enable it to commit acts that might
otherwise be seen as criminal.
State crime can take a variety of forms. One extreme example is genocide, such as
was seen in Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
0
2
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Using material from Item B and elsewhere, assess sociological explanations of the types
and patterns of state crime.
[21 marks]
3
Methods in Context
The following question requires you to apply your knowledge and understanding
of sociological research methods to the study of this particular issue in crime and
deviance.
Read Item C below and answer the question that follows.
Item C
Investigating victims of crime
The wide variety in types of criminal activity leads to a wide variety in the victims of
crime. Certain groups are more likely to be victims of specific crimes. For example,
women are more likely than men to be victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual
assault. There may also be victim-blaming in such cases. Criminals are also likely to
be victims and they too may be viewed as causing their own victimisation.
One problem for sociologists studying victims of crime is that not all crimes are
reported. This may mean the victim has not acknowledged their status as a victim.
For example, this may be true for cyber-crime and overcharging, where the victim is
not aware that any wrong has been done to them. Alternatively, some victims may
not want to report crime due to lack of trust in the police. Other victims may not be
aware that the wrong that has been done to them is actually a crime.
0
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Using material from Item C and elsewhere, assess the strengths and limitations of using
self-completion questionnaires as a means of investigating victims of crime.
[15 marks]
Theory and Methods
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‘Society has now moved into a postmodern era and the postmodernist perspective is the
best way to understand today’s society.’
To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view?
[33 marks]
Turn over for Section B
Turn over
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4
Section B Stratification and Differentiation with Theory and Methods
You are advised to spend approximately 30 minutes on question 0
5 .
You are advised to spend approximately 30 minutes on question 0
6 .
You are advised to spend approximately 20 minutes on question 0
7
You are advised to spend approximately 40 minutes on question 0
8 .
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Stratification and Differentiation
Read Item D below and answer the question that follows.
Item D
In a patriarchal society, men dominate. Patriarchy has a clear impact on the nature
of society and on the lives of women. For feminists, patriarchy is maintained by the
norms and values of society.
The impact of patriarchy can be seen in a wide range of areas of social life, from the
family to the media. The patriarchal organisation of society means women are seen
as better suited to certain roles and occupations.
0
5
Using material from Item D and elsewhere, assess the usefulness of the concept of
patriarchy for understanding women’s position in society today.
[21 marks]
Read Item E below and answer the question that follows.
Item E
The introduction and extension of education has meant greater opportunities for
all. The principle of meritocracy suggests that those who work hard can achieve
qualifications, gain higher paid positions and achieve upward social mobility.
Despite this positive view, inequalities still persist, both in education and beyond.
The persistence of inequality may result in more limited chances for
intra-generational mobility.
0
6
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Using material from Item E and elsewhere, assess sociological explanations of the
impact of education on social mobility in the United Kingdom in the last 50 years or so.
[21 marks]
5
Methods in Context
The following question requires you to apply your knowledge and understanding of
sociological research methods to the study of this particular issue in stratification and
differentiation.
Read Item F below and answer the question that follows.
Item F
Investigating the life chances of immigrants
According to official statistics, total immigration into the United Kingdom was
636 000 in the year ending March 2015. The changing global economy has led to
the increased movement of people around the world. There are many reasons why
people migrate, including a desire to find a better life elsewhere. In other cases,
migration is to escape from persecution. In addition to the official migration figures,
some people will enter the United Kingdom unofficially.
The life chances of immigrants may depend on their country of origin, their education
and whether they chose to migrate or whether they were forced to do so by
circumstances. Public perceptions of immigrants can also affect their life chances.
The media often play a vital role in this by their portrayal of immigrant groups.
Government policies can also affect the life chances of immigrants.
Children of immigrants often have better life chances than their parents because they
may be better able to assimilate and take advantage of educational and employment
opportunities.
0
7
Using material from Item F and elsewhere, assess the strengths and limitations of
using self-completion questionnaires as a means of investigating the life chances of
immigrants.
[15 marks]
Theory and Methods
0
8
‘Society has now moved into a postmodern era and the postmodernist perspective is the
best way to understand today’s society.’
To what extent do sociological arguments and evidence support this view?
[33 marks]
END OF QUESTIONS
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