ZIMSEC A LEVEL SOCIOLOGY (6043) PAPER 1 JUNE 2024

TIME.       2 HRS 30MINUTES

SECTION A

  Compulsory

1    Mead claims that language allows us to become self-conscious, being aware of our own individuality and able to see ourselves from the outside as others see us. The key element in this process is the symbol. A symbol is something that stands for something else. Non –verbal gestures or forms of communication are symbols. Mead argues that humans rely on shared symbols and understandings in their interactions with one another.

    (a) Identify the theoretical perspective applicable to the passage and give two reasons in support of your answer.   [3]                                   (b) Describe any two symbolic interactions and their theories.      [4]                                               (c) Explain the self-concept development by Cooley.                            [8]                                

(d) Assess the relevance of symbolic interactionist perspective in understanding human behaviour.      [10]                                                                          

                                                      Section B

                           

Choose any three questions.

2    A child is born a ‘tabula rassa’. It is the duty of the society to fill the blank slate with norms and values that make the child fit in the society.

    (a) Define the term infant socialisation.   [3]                                                                                              

    (b) Describe any two theories of socialisatio. [4]                                         

    (c) Explain any four characteristics of children who lack socialisation.    [8]                                                 

    (d) Justify the importance of socialisation in shaping human behaviour.[10]                               

3     Civil marriages are becoming popular in present day society.

    (a) Define civil marriage.    [3]                                               

    (b) Describe any two characteristics of civil marriage.                      [4]             

    (c) Explain any four functions of civil marriage.                                   [8]                    

    (d) Assess the significance of civil marriage.                                       [10]           

4    Cultural shock has become a common problem in modern society.

    (a) What is cultural shock?          [3]                                                     

    (b) Identify any four causes of cultural shock.                                     [4]         

    (c) Explain any four effects of cultural shock.  [8]         

    (d) Suggest measures to reduce cultural shock.                                  [10]                           

5    Feminists have argued the educational system plays a part in perpetuating gender exploitation and devaluing women. To radical feminists, education benefits men at the expense of women.

    (a) Define gendered education.        [3]                                                                  

    (b) Describe any two causes of gendered education.                            [4]                                     

    (c) Explain any four effects of gendered education.                              [8]          

    (d) Evaluate measures taken by the Zimbabwean government to address gendered education.                                                                            [10]          

6    Totemism is an aspect of religious practise, where people believe in sacred things. 

    (a) Define a totem.                            [3]           

    (b) Identify any four totems.          [4]          

    (c) Explain how any four religious practises can be a catalyst in spreading HIV and AIDS.                                                                                      [8]     

    (d) To what extent are totems losing relevance in modern societies?    [10]          

7    Sociologists use primary and secondary data sources when conducting sociological researches.

    (a) What is a sociological research?     [3]                                                   

    (b) Differentiate primary data sources from secondary sources.             [4]                                

    (c) Explain any four importance of conducting a sociological research.   [8]                

    (d) Discuss challenges faced when carrying out a sociological research.[10]                                                              

8    A person’s position in a stratify cation system may have important effects in his /her life chances and social mobility.

    (a) Define life chances.            [3]               

    (b) Describe any two types of social mobility.                                      [4]            

    (c) Explain any four effects of stratification.                                        [8]         

    (d) Assess factors that influence life chances.                                     [10]          

9    Sociologists use various theories in explaining human behaviour.

    (a) What is a sociological theory?        [3]          

    (b) Identify any two ideas of Marxism.    [4]          

    (c) Compare and contrast any two structural theories.                         [8]                       

    (d) Marxism offers a more convincing explanation of society. Discuss.   [10]                    

10   Teenage hood vary between countries. The experience is accompanied by various challenges.

    (a) Define teenage hood.  [3]                 

    (b) Describe any two characteristics of teenage hood.                          [4]         

    (c) Explain any four challenges of teenage hood.                                 [8]         

    (d) Assess the effectiveness of measures taken to solve teenage hood challenges at your school.                   [10]