Writing a Sociology essay

Introduction Main theory Criticisms Alternative theories/s Conclusion If the question asks you to use the

item. Use it!

Introduction

Re-state question What are you going to write about?

Main point

The main theory you are being asked to look at

Key names within the theory you are looking at

Key words/terminology Criticisms

Alternative point/s

Views which disagree with the main point

Conclusion

Summarise your essay Don’t write ‘the theory I most agree

with is…’ There is nothing in the mark scheme

giving credit for your personal opinions

Using material from item A and elsewhere, assess the contribution of functionalism to

our understanding of families and households

In this essay I will examine the contribution of Functionalist theorists such as Talcott Parsons and George Murdock and also examine opposing theories such as Marxism and Feminism.

Main point

What Functionalists think Differences between Murdock and

Parsons Use Item Key terms (nuclear family, functional

fit, organic analogy, norms, values etc..)

Criticisms – Ignores diversity, assumes family is always good etc..

Alternative point/s

Marxism – how it differs from Functionalist views – examples

Feminism – How it differs from Functionalist views - examples

Conclusion

In answering the question ‘assess etc…. Functionalists think …. But this view is contradicted by the views of Feminists and Marxists who think ….

Assess the Marxist contribution to our

understanding of the family