Exam-style question
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Outline and explain how sociological theory helps sociologists address this objective: Compare consensus, conflict, structural and social action theories.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- AO1: sociological theory is the sociological focus needed to consensus, conflict, structural and social action theories.
- Define the relevant concept, theory, evidence or method accurately before applying it.
- AO2: Apply the point to social class, gender, ethnicity or age rather than writing a generic comment about society.
- AO3: Analyse by explaining the chain from social structure, social action, institution, policy or method to its effect on behaviour, opportunity, identity, control or inequality.
Explanation
Why this works
Use the stated sociological concept as the starting point. Define it accurately, apply it to the social group, institution, policy or contemporary context in the question, and explain the mechanism or consequence.
Evaluate the evidence by considering validity, reliability, representativeness, values or an alternative theory. The judgement should answer the command word rather than repeat a general claim.
Common mistake
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