Cambridge A Level Sociology 9699 — 2021 May/June Paper 4 · Variant 2

This document has 4 pages. Any blank pages are indicated. Cambridge International AS & A Level DC (DH) 202435 © UCLES 2021 [Turn over * 1 6 8 9 7 3 1 1 5 2 * SOCIOLOGY 9699/42 Paper 4 Globalisation, Media and Religion May/June 2021 1 hour 45 minutes You must answer on the enclosed answer booklet. You will need: Answer booklet (enclosed) INSTRUCTIONS ● Answer two questions in total, each from a different section. ● Follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. If you need additional answer paper, ask the invigilator for a continuation booklet. INFORMATION ● The total mark for this paper is 70. ● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].

2 9699/42/M/J/21 © UCLES 2021 Answer two questions in total, each from a different section. Section A: Globalisation EITHER 1 ‘The large increase in global crime has been caused entirely by the spread of global capitalism.’ Evaluate this view. [35] OR 2 ‘The consequences of globalisation for developing countries are entirely negative.’ Evaluate this view. [35] Section B: Media EITHER 3 ‘Postmodernists are right in claiming that the media plays a central role in people’s lives today.’ Evaluate this view. [35] OR 4 ‘The media serves the interests of the ruling class.’ Evaluate this view. [35] Section C: Religion EITHER 5 ‘Religion is an obstacle to social change.’ Evaluate this view. [35] OR 6 ‘Growing support for new religious movements disproves the secularisation thesis.’ Evaluate this view. [35]

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4 9699/42/M/J/21 © UCLES 2021 Permission to reproduce items where third-party owned material protected by copyright is included has been sought and cleared where possible. Every reasonable effort has been made by the publisher (UCLES) to trace copyright holders, but if any items requiring clearance have unwittingly been included, the publisher will be pleased to make amends at the earliest possible opportunity. To avoid the issue of disclosure of answer-related information to candidates, all copyright acknowledgements are reproduced online in the Cambridge Assessment International Education Copyright Acknowledgements Booklet. This is produced for each series of examinations and is freely available to download at www.cambridgeinternational.org after the live examination series. Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge. BLANK PAGE

This document consists of 18 printed pages. © UCLES 2021 [Turn over Cambridge International AS & A Level SOCIOLOGY 9699/42 Paper 4 Globalisation, Media, Religion May/June 2021 MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 70 Published This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have considered the acceptability of alternative answers. Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers. Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes. Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2021 series for most Cambridge IGCSE™, Cambridge International A and AS Level components and some Cambridge O Level components.

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 2 of 18 Generic Marking Principles These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1: Marks must be awarded in line with: • the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question • the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question • the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2: Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3: Marks must be awarded positively: • marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate • marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do • marks are not deducted for errors • marks are not deducted for omissions • answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4: Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5: Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate responses seen). GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6: Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 3 of 18 Social Science-Specific Marking Principles (for point-based marking) 1 Components using point-based marking: • Point marking is often used to reward knowledge, understanding and application of skills. We give credit where the candidate’s answer shows relevant knowledge, understanding and application of skills in answering the question. We do not give credit where the answer shows confusion. From this it follows that we: a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly convey the same meaning (unless the mark scheme requires a specific term) b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they are correct c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended writing is required rather than list-type answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons …). d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required. (Check for evidence it is understood and not used wrongly.) e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all possibilities f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already credited unless the language itself is being tested. This applies equally to ‘mirror statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted). g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings of syllabus terms must allow for clear and unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion) 2 Presentation of mark scheme: • Slashes (/) or the word ‘or’ separate alternative ways of making the same point. • Semi colons (;) bullet points (•) or figures in brackets (1) separate different points. • Content in the answer column in brackets is for examiner information/context to clarify the marking but is not required to earn the mark (except Accounting syllabuses where they indicate negative numbers). 3 Calculation questions: • The mark scheme will show the steps in the most likely correct method(s), the mark for each step, the correct answer(s) and the mark for each answer • If working/explanation is considered essential for full credit, this will be indicated in the question paper and in the mark scheme. In all other instances, the correct answer to a calculation should be given full credit, even if no supporting working is shown. • Where the candidate uses a valid method which is not covered by the mark scheme, award equivalent marks for reaching equivalent stages. • Where an answer makes use of a candidate’s own incorrect figure from previous working, the ‘own figure rule’ applies: full marks will be given if a correct and complete method is used. Further guidance will be included in the mark scheme where necessary and any exceptions to this general principle will be noted.

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 4 of 18 4 Annotation: • For point marking, ticks can be used to indicate correct answers and crosses can be used to indicate wrong answers. There is no direct relationship between ticks and marks. Ticks have no defined meaning for levels of response marking. • For levels of response marking, the level awarded should be annotated on the script. • Other annotations will be used by examiners as agreed during standardisation, and the meaning will be understood by all examiners who marked that paper.

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 5 of 18 Question Answer Marks 1 ‘The large increase in global crime has been caused entirely by the spread of global capitalism.’ Evaluate this view. Key focus of the question Global crime, sometimes known as transnational crime or ‘crimes without frontiers’, can be understood as crime that takes place across the borders of two or more countries. Studies suggest that the scale of global crime has increased significantly in recent years. This question invites candidates to consider the reasons for the rise in global crime and, in particular, to reflect on possible links with the spread of global capitalism. Candidates are likely to discuss sociological arguments that see the global criminal economy as mirroring the global capitalist economy. Castells, for example, argues that globalisation resulted in the development of physical, digital and financial networks that cut across national borders and which led to knowledge as well as goods and people moving quickly, easily and cheaply across the world. While this facilitated the development of global capitalism, it also created opportunities for the development of global criminal networks. Examples of global crime may be used in good answers to illustrate possible links with the spread of global capitalism. Connections between drug dealing (through money laundering) and the global financial system might be explored, for instance. Similarly, so-called ‘green crimes’ committed by some transnational corporation who flout environmental protection laws in poorer countries would provide a further example of links between global capitalism and global crime. While global capitalism may be a significant contributor to the increase in global crime, other factors are also involved. A strong evaluative response to the question will consider some of these other factors, including the impact of wars and regional conflicts, poverty, and weakness and corruption in some governments. Indicative content For: • Global crime is often organised along business lines and is facilitated by access to international commercial networks associated with the spread of global capitalism. • The spread of capitalist values globally may have encouraged more people and businesses around the world to adopt immoral, selfish and illegal practices to compete with one another in order to make money and to achieve material success. • Wallerstein believes that global capitalism has damaged the economy of poor countries, making the latter fertile ground for the development of criminal networks who may be recruited by established criminal groups in wealthier countries to, for example, supply drugs or people trafficking. • Transnational Corporations have often been found to break laws in low- income countries, especially those relating to the health and safety of their workers and to environmental protection. • Deregulation of the world’s financial system, which in part was designed to facilitate growth in international trade and commerce, has facilitated a range of financial crimes, from tax evasion and insider trading to defrauding transnational organisations such as the EU out of grant and subsidy money. 35

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 6 of 18 Question Answer Marks 1 Against: • Marxist accounts that link the growth of global crime to the spread of global capitalism are most convincing in relation to crimes that are committed for financial gain, such as dealing in illicit drugs or people trafficking. Other types of global crime have also increased significantly and here the links to capitalism are more tenuous. For example, international tourism has led to an increase in sexual crimes with some poorer countries being viewed as a safe haven for sexual predators who visit as tourists and exploit women and children in the local sex industry. • The claim that global capitalism and the spread of neoliberal values around the world has weakened the economy of poorer countries (and thereby encourage a local increase in crime) has been disputed. In many cases, the economy and institutions of poorer countries may have been strengthened through increasing international trade and exposure to globalisation. • While global capitalism may have contributed to the increase in global crime, it is not the only significant factor. Wars and regional conflicts have been responsible for a huge increase in migration, thereby creating a market in people trafficking. War and poverty have also led some farmers in the developing world to abandon conventional crops and grow plants to produce illicit drugs. War-lords also use global criminal networks to generate funds to buy armaments and pay their soldiers. • Although global capitalism may facilitate global crime, the extent of the problem is greatly exacerbated by the weakness of the legal and political systems in many poorer countries and by the failure of governments in developed countries to clamp down on the corporate crimes committed by transnational organisations in less developed countries.

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 7 of 18 Question Answer Marks 2 ‘The consequences of globalisation for developing countries are entirely negative.’ Evaluate this view. Key focus of the question The question invites candidates to demonstrate knowledge of what is meant by globalisation and the consequences it has for developing countries. Candidates might distinguish between different types of consequences, including economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions. However, it would be equally acceptable to focus on one particular type of impact, such as economic consequences. For example, dependency theory and the world systems perspective both view economic globalisation as a negative development for developing countries. These Marxist-influenced theories claim that economic globalisation represents a form of neo-colonialism and creeping westernisation of the world. The economy of poorer countries is seen to be weakened by exposure to global capitalism and contact with westernised values and lifestyles disrupts the traditional social order. Other sociologists have argued that globalisation is linked to an increase in global crime which has particularly negative consequences for people in poorer countries who are vulnerable to exploitation by organised crime networks. By contrast, neo-liberals and proponents of modernisation theory see many benefits for developing countries from the spread of capitalism and the adoption of westernised values. Good answers will consider the arguments from both sides, examining potential negative and positive consequences of globalisation for developing countries. Indicative content For: • Globalisation is seen by Marxist sociologists as westernisation (or Americanisation); as such, it benefits western capitalist elites at the expense of underprivileged groups in less economically developed countries which effectively become satellite states for western multi- national corporations to exploit. • Claims that globalisation led to a spread of democracy and liberal values in developing countries are questionable; in many developing countries, there has been a backlash against globalisation that, in some cases, has strengthened the hand of oppressive regimes and led to violent clashes and abuse of human rights. • Globalisation has involved a huge increase in global migration, but it is not clear that migrants from less economically developed countries necessarily benefit from opportunities to work in the more economically developed countries. These workers may be exploited and exposed to dangerous working conditions for very little financial reward. In some cases, their conditions of life in the country of destination are harsher than they were in their country of origin. • Increased opportunities for global migration may result in a depletion of the skilled and highly educated workforce available in poorer countries. • The western model of capitalism that is promoted through globalisation is not necessarily appropriate for meeting the economic and social needs of the less economically developed countries. It may actually hinder development rather than help; for example, because it disrupts local value systems and ways of organising the economy. 35

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 8 of 18 Question Answer Marks 2 Against: • Neoliberals argue that free markets and global trade contribute to economic growth in all countries and from which everyone benefits. • Neoliberals claim that globalisation has been associated with the spread of democracy and liberal values, helping to free people from oppressive political regimes and exploitative social practices; it gives hope to others that liberation from intolerable social and political circumstances is possible. • Increasing contact and exchange between people in different countries is helping to break down barriers that in the past might have led to conflict and wars; a cosmopolitan society of global citizens is viewed by some as the best antidote to the inward- looking nationalism that has so often led to bloody conflicts in the past. • Modernisation theorists argue that globalisation helps spread the cultural values that they believe are essential for successful economic development in poorer countries, including the values of democracy, entrepreneurship, individual freedom, and meritocracy.

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 9 of 18 Question Answer Marks 3 ‘Postmodernists are right in claiming that the media plays a central role in people’s lives today.’ Evaluate this view. Key focus of the question This question requires candidates to demonstrate a sound knowledge of postmodernist views of the media. Concepts such as hyperreality, simulations, simulacra, representations, are likely to feature in well-informed answers. Examples of how the media may influence social identities could be used to support the claim that the media play a central role in people’s lives today. Similarly, there is scope for discussion of the increasing role of the new digital media in people’s lives. Evaluation will be demonstrated by using arguments and evidence to show that postmodernists have exaggerated the influence of the media in people’s lives today. This might include references to relevant studies and/or different models of media effects. Indicative content For: • Postmodernists argue that we live in a media-saturated society in which we are surrounded by media images and spend an increasing amount of time each day consuming media messages. • Mobile technology has made access to the media more readily available, extending the opportunity we have to engage with media content. • For Baudrillard, entertainment, information and communication technologies provide experiences that are so intense and involving that everyday life cannot compete. People’s needs and tastes are largely shaped by the media, in this view. • The way we understand the world is increasingly filtered through the representations of reality provided by the media. In a media-saturated society we struggle to separate representations of reality from reality. Postmodernists refer to this phenomenon as hyperreality. • Postmodernists claim that the media is a particularly powerful influence on social identity, helping shape the images we project about ourselves, the groups we identity with, and the judgements we make about others. • Support from other theoretical perspectives, such as the Marxist mass manipulation view of the media and the analysis of the media in the work of the Frankfurt School. • Support from some models of media effects, notably the hypodermic- syringe model and, to some extent, the cultural effects model. Against: • Postmodernist claims about the power of the media today are not generally supported by extensive empirical research. • Research that has been carried out on, for example, TV soap operas, suggests that audiences are able to distinguish between reality and representations of reality. • Audiences are not passive consumers of the media; the uses and gratifications model of media effects notes that people actively choose how they use the media and select content that meets their personal needs and interests. In this view, the media are used by people to serve pre-existing personal needs; the media doesn’t shape those needs as such. 35

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 10 of 18 Question Answer Marks 3 • Some other models of media effects (reception analysis model and cultural effects model) argue that people are active in the way media messages are interpreted and responded to; for example, they may relate favourably to media messages that reinforce ideas and values that are viewed favourably among their friends and work colleagues and reject other media representations they feel nothing in common with. From this perspective, factors such as class, ethnicity, community, and age continue to play an important to role in people’s lives and their importance has not been displaced by the growth of the media.

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 11 of 18 Question Answer Marks 4 ‘The media serves the interests of the ruling class.’ Evaluate this view. Key focus of the question The idea that the media serve the interests of the ruling class is associated with Marxist theory. Good answers are likely to use the ideas of Marxist sociologists to explain the view expressed in the question. Contrasting perspectives will then be deployed to provide an evaluation of the claim that the media serve the interests of the ruling class. Marxist sociologists argue that the content of the media is controlled by the owners of media conglomerates and, more broadly, by capitalist ruling class. Interactionists would argue that only detailed study of individual instances of where decisions are made about media content would shed light on who controls the media and what interests are served. Feminist sociologists would highlight the extent to which the media are controlled by men and serve male interests predominantly. Pluralists argue that the media serve a diverse range of interests in society and no single group controls the media. Postmodernists would point out that the new digital media has created opportunities for more people to influence the media than was perhaps previously the case and this has taken some power away from elite groups. Indicative content For: • Marxist sociologists argue that control of the media rests in the hands of owners of the media and companies that fund the media through paying for advertisements. Their interests are aligned with the capitalist ruling class as a whole and the media therefore are supportive of capitalist values and objectives. Others groups have little or no opportunity to influence the content of the media, in this view. • Media conglomerates operate increasingly on a global scale and, arguably, this has extended their power to promote capitalist interests free from any controls or restrictions that national governments might seek to impose. • Studies of the media by the Glasgow Media Group showed that the media represent power holders and other privileged groups in society in a favourable light. News coverage of industrial action, for example, tended to present owners and managers as reasonable and moderate while trade union officials represent the workforce were presented as aggressive, militant, and disruptive. • Countries and regimes that reject the capitalist economic system are generally depicted by the western media in a negative way and their leaders are often ridiculed. This is the case currently with North Korea and was the case with Cuba and the Soviet Union in the past. • Arguments that government-controlled media outlets serve ruling class/elite interests. 35

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 12 of 18 Question Answer Marks 4 Against: • There are many cases of where powerful lobby groups representing sections of society that are not directly linked to the capitalist ruling class have been successful in influencing the decisions taken by media organisations. • In order to attract viewers and readers media organisations must produce content that appeals to different sections of society. Not all of this content will reflect the interests of the ruling class. • Government regulations often require some or all media organisations to operate in ways that allow scope for different groups in society to influence the media (for example, the BBC Charter). Government censorship may also act as a check on bias in the media that might favour the interests of one group over another. • Digital optimists argue that the new media has provided powerful new means for individual citizens and protest groups to oppose established authorities (such as the ruling class) and argue for changes in society that benefit the less privileged and the poor.

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 13 of 18 Question Answer Marks 5 ‘Religion is an obstacle to social change.’ Evaluate this view. Key focus of the question The focus of this question is the relationship between religion and social change. Good answers are likely to develop the contrast between sociological theories that view religion as a conservative force that has often opposed social change and theories that recognise some role for religion in challenging the status quo and bringing about social change. Functionalist and Marxist theories would agree in seeing religion as an obstacle to social change, though the two perspectives differ in how they explain the role of religion in supporting the status quo. Weber viewed Calvinism as a powerful force in helping to bring about the changes that led to the emergence of industrial capitalism. The general view that religion, in some circumstances, can be a force for social change has been developed by subsequent sociologists who have cited examples such as the Iranian revolution and liberation theology to support their arguments. Postmodernists view religion as bound up in the social changes that they refer to as postmodernity. Indicative content For: • Functionalists claim that religion contributes to a sense of collective identity and value consensus; it helps bind people together in support for the existing social order. • Marxist sociologists argue that religion is a form of ideology that deters the working class from rising up and overthrowing the capitalist economic system. Religion makes people passive and disinterested in radical social change. • Religious organisations are often reliant on donations from rich benefactors, thereby helping tie them in to the existing power structure in society. • Established religions are often closely linked with the dominant institutions of society, contributing to the maintenance of the status quo and social order. • Arguments that the nature of religious belief and practice encourage conformity, respect for authority, and acceptance of the existing social order. Against: • Some religions have been quite radical in their opposition to poverty and exploitation, speaking out against perceived deficiencies in the capitalist economic system and seeking to bring about social change. • Labour movements in western Europe historically had a close connection with non-conformist religions and were influenced by religious teachings and values. Many of the great social changes of the twentieth century were driven by labour movements. • Liberation Theology in Latin America is an example of where religion has been used directly to oppose the status quo and to side with those who are socially deprived in their quest to achieve social change. 35

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 14 of 18 Question Answer Marks 5 • Arguments that many religions have been open to change within their own organisations and ‘liberalisation’ within certain religions has help to support the adoption of progressive values in the wider society. For example, the ordination of female priests might be seen as one example of change within religion that is also supportive of change in attitudes to gender in the wider society. • Supporters of the secularisation thesis would argue that the declining social significance of religion means that any power that religious organisations have to defend the status quo and prevent social change today is considerably diminished.

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 15 of 18 Question Answer Marks 6 ‘Growing support for new religious movements disproves the secularisation thesis.’ Evaluate this view. Key focus of the question To answer this question candidates are required to demonstrate knowledge of the secularisation thesis and the arguments and evidence that is used to debate whether or not secularisation has occurred in modern industrial societies. Good answers may pay close attention to how secularisation is defined as this has a bearing on how the growth of new religious movement is interpreted. A definition that ties secularisation closely to a decline in the authority of established religions would view growing support for new religious movements as evidence to support the secularisation thesis. By contrast, a definition of secularisation that focuses on the idea of declining religiosity is likely to view growing support for new religious movements as evidence of religious revival and not secularisation. Candidates might also consider whether growing support for new religious movements is sufficient evidence in itself to disprove the secularisation thesis. This may take them into a broader evaluation of the claims made by those who advance the secularisation thesis, with reasoned conclusions drawn about how far, if at all, modern societies have experienced a process of secularisation. Indicative content For: • Growing support for new religious movements helps challenge claims associated with the secularisation thesis that membership of religious organisations is declining and people are becoming less religious. • Growth in new religious movements can be seen as part of a broader trend that has seen an increase interest in spirituality among people in western societies in recent years; the growth in new age movements and privatised worship provide further examples of this trend. • Some new religious movements have been highly successful in recruiting new members and in that respect have played a key part in what some sociologists claim is a religious revival in modern societies. • Some new religious movements claim to have successfully integrated elements of spiritual and scientific thinking, challenging the modernist idea that religion and science are diametrically opposed modes of thought. • Functionalist arguments that religion serves important functions in society are supported by evidence of growth in new religious movements at a time when support for established religions is declining. Functionalist sociologists view sceptically the idea that societies can become secular to the point where religion has little or no social significance. Against: • Growth in new religious movements can be seen as evidence that established religions have lost their social significance. Wilson sees the decline of established religions, together with fragmentation in religious belief systems, as defining characteristics of secularisation. In a secular society, Wilson argues, centralised spiritual authority is replaced by support for competing religious beliefs (new religious movements, for example) and other sources of moral guidance. 35

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 16 of 18 Question Answer Marks 6 • Many new religious movements support the idea of a secular state that is free from the power of established religious organisations to influence decision making. The emergence of the secular state is often viewed as evidence supporting the idea that secularisation has occurred. • New religious movements are too divided and fragmented to replace the power and authority of established religions. Indeed, most proponents of the secularisation thesis believe that once secularisation has occurred there can be no return to society based on traditional values and social order that is based on religious teaching and governance. • Interest in spirituality may have picked up in western societies in recent years, but studies suggest it is driven by individualistic concerns with discovering meaning and personal fulfilment rather than any desire to return to a form of society based on religious control and traditional values. • Even if the growth in support for new religious movements is seen as an indicator of religious revival, there is still a lot of evidence to support the secularisation thesis; for example, evidence about the declining role of religion in public life, increasing number of people who reject marriage or marry without a religious ceremony, increasing number of people identifying as atheists, and so on.

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 17 of 18 Generic levels of response Level AO1: Knowledge and Understanding Marks 3 • Good knowledge and understanding of the view on which the question is based. • The response contains a range of detailed points with good use of concepts and theory/research evidence. 7–9 2 • Reasonable knowledge and understanding of the view on which the question is based. • The response contains either a narrow range of detailed points or a wider range of underdeveloped points, with some use of concepts and references to theory or research evidence 4–6 1 • Basic knowledge and understanding of the view on which the question is based. • The response contains a narrow range of underdeveloped points with some references to concepts or theory or research evidence. 1–3 0 • No knowledge and understanding worthy of credit. 0 Level AO2: Interpretation and Application Marks 4 • Very good interpretation and application of relevant sociological material. • The material selected will be accurately interpreted and consistently applied to the question in a logical and well-informed way. 10–11 3 • Good interpretation and application of sociological material. • The material selected will be accurate and relevant but not always consistently applied to the question in a way that is logical and clear 7–9 2 • Reasonable interpretation and application of sociological material. • The material selected will be mainly accurate but its relevance to the question may be confused or unclear at times. 4–6 1 • Limited interpretation and application of sociological material. • The material selected is relevant to the topic but lacks focus on or relevance to the specific question. 1–3 0 • No interpretation and application worthy of credit. 0

9699/42 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2021 © UCLES 2021 Page 18 of 18 Level AO3: Analysis and Evaluation Marks 4 • Very good analysis and evaluation. • Clear and sustained analysis of the view on which the question is based, with detailed and explicit evaluation. • There is also likely to be a range of contrasting views and/or evidence discussed, demonstrating good understanding of the complexity of the issues raised by the question. 12–15 3 • Good analysis and evaluation. • The evaluation may be explicit and direct but not sustained, or it will rely on a good outline of contrasting views and/or evidence, clearly focussed on evaluating the view in the question. • The response demonstrates some understanding of the complexity of the issues raised by the question. 8–11 2 • Reasonable analysis and evaluation. • There is a description of some relevant contrasting views and/or evidence but these are only implicitly focussed on evaluating the view in the question. • The response demonstrates some awareness of the complexity of the issues raised by the question. 4–7 1 • Limited analysis and evaluation. • There are a few simple points of implicit or tangential evaluation. • The response demonstrates little awareness of the complexity of the issues raised by the question. 1–3 0 • No analysis and evaluation worthy of credit. 0