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Q1. Talcott Parsons argued the family performs two 'basic and irreducible' functions in modern industrial society. What are they?
A. Economic production and political socialisation
B. Primary socialisation of children and stabilisation of adult personalities
C. Reproduction and economic support
D. Social control and status placement
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. Primary socialisation of children and stabilisation of adult personalities
Parsons (1955) reduced the family's functions to primary socialisation of the young and stabilisation of adult personalities, arguing other functions had been lost to specialist institutions. This reflects his functionalist 'fit thesis' linking family type to industrial society's needs.
Q2. According to Bourdieu, what term describes the accumulation of qualifications and credentials gained partly through the possession of cultural capital?
A. Social capital
B. Educational capital
C. Economic capital
D. Habitus
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. Educational capital
Bourdieu argued cultural capital can be converted into educational capital, meaning qualifications, because pupils with dominant cultural capital are more likely to succeed in a system that rewards middle-class knowledge and tastes. Habitus refers to internalised dispositions and ways of thinking, not qualifications themselves. Social capital refers to networks and connections rather than credentials.
Q3. Feminist sociologists have criticised some traditional research methods on the grounds that:
A. They always require the use of covert observation
B. They have historically ignored or marginalised women's experiences and used male-dominated research designs
C. They can only be used by male researchers
D. They are exclusively quantitative in nature
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. They have historically ignored or marginalised women's experiences and used male-dominated research designs
Feminist critiques argue traditional research often reflected androcentric (male-centred) assumptions, marginalised women's experiences and used designs that gave power to the researcher over the researched. Many feminist sociologists favour more collaborative, reflexive qualitative methods.
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Who has to sit the A-Level Sociology (Edexcel)
Who needs a A-Level Sociology (Edexcel)?
Typically learners aged 16-18, to develop analytical skills for university (Sociology, Criminology, Law) or employment.
The real A-Level Sociology (Edexcel): format
How long is the A-Level Sociology (Edexcel)?
The real A-Level Sociology (Edexcel) lasts 360 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the A-Level Sociology (Edexcel) cost?
Real exam fee: £340 to £450 (private candidate, indicative, subject to centre). Resit fee: £340 to £450 (private candidate, indicative, subject to centre)
How hard is it
What is the A-Level Sociology (Edexcel) pass rate?
Real exam first-time pass rate: 97.9% (A*-E for all A-Level Sociology boards in 2026). Difficulty: Moderately challenging; requires strong essay-writing, critical thinking, and revision skills.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the A-Level Sociology (Edexcel)?
Poor time management, rushing long essays; underestimating research methods questions.
Figures for the real exam from vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
A-Level Sociology (Edexcel): common questions
Frequently asked
How many questions are in the A-Level Sociology (Edexcel)?
The exam has 40 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 40-question format so your practice matches the real thing.
What is the pass mark for the A-Level Sociology (Edexcel)?
You need 24 out of 40 correct to pass, which is about 60%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with Edexcel.