Cambridge A Level Sociology 9699 — 2023 May/June Paper 3 · Variant 1
9699/31/M/J/23 · 50 marks · ≈56 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper4 pages




Mark scheme10 pages
Answers below. Sit the paper first if you are practising.










Paper as text
Question paper, page 1
This document has 4 pages. Any blank pages are indicated. [Turn over Cambridge International AS & A Level * 0 0 7 6 0 7 7 3 2 0 * SOCIOLOGY 9699/31 Paper 3 Education May/June 2023 1 hour 15 minutes You must answer on the enclosed answer booklet. You will need: Answer booklet (enclosed) INSTRUCTIONS ● Answer all questions. ● 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 50. ● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ]. DC (EF) 313839 © UCLES 2023
Question paper, page 2
2 9699/31/M/J/23 © UCLES 2023 Answer all questions. 1 Describe two examples of how education reinforces social values. [4] 2 Explain two ways that primary socialisation can lead to gender differences in educational attainment. [8] 3 ‘All ethnic groups are treated equally in schools.’ Using sociological material, give two arguments against this view. [12] 4 Evaluate the view that education enables working‑class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. [26]
Question paper, page 3
3 9699/31/M/J/23 © UCLES 2023 BLANK PAGE
Question paper, page 4
4 9699/31/M/J/23 © UCLES 2023 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 Cambridge Assessment. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which is a department of the University of Cambridge. BLANK PAGE
Mark scheme, page 1
This document consists of 10 printed pages. © UCLES 2023 [Turn over Cambridge International AS & A Level SOCIOLOGY 9699/31 Paper 3 Education May/June 2023 MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 50 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 2023 series for most Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre−U components, and some Cambridge O Level components.
Mark scheme, page 2
9699/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 2 of 10 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.
Mark scheme, page 3
9699/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 3 of 10 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.
Mark scheme, page 4
9699/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 4 of 10 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. Using the mark scheme Some of the questions are marked using a point-based system, awarding marks for specific points and accumulating a total mark by adding points. Some of the questions are marked using level of response. For these, the level description represents performance at the top of the level. For levels of response marking you should: award a mark at the top of the level if all criteria in the level are met. consider the level descriptions across the full range, bearing in mind that it is not necessary for a candidate to give a faultless performance for maximum marks to be awarded within any single category! award marks on a ‘best-fit’ basis; thus, compensation between higher and lower achievement for different criteria is acceptable.
Mark scheme, page 5
9699/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 5 of 10 Question Answer Marks 1 Describe two examples of how education reinforces social values. Indicative content School rules; e.g. punctuality, respect and politeness. Exams, competition, Individualism. Cooperation and conformity. Curriculum content – e.g. role models, religion, patriotism. Ethnic, gender, age relationships. Hidden curriculum, secondary socialisation. Any other relevant example. Reward a maximum of two examples. For each example, up to 2 marks are available, 1 mark for identifying an example of an educational process which reinforces social values. 1 mark for describing how that example reinforces social values. (2 2 marks) 4
Mark scheme, page 6
9699/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 6 of 10 Question Answer Marks 2 Explain two reasons why primary socialisation can lead to variations in educational attainment by gender. Indicative content Parental expectations of gender roles in home and employment. Family role models. Toys, games and play activities provided linked to gender. Gender portrayal in stories, reading materials, TV etc. Influence of culture/subculture in local community. Any other relevant reason. Reward a maximum of two reasons. Up to 4 marks are available for each reason. 1 mark for making a point / giving a reason (e.g. Parental expectations of gender roles in home and employment). 1 mark for explaining that point (e.g. expectation of early marriage for girls means they may leave school earlier than boys) 1 mark for selecting relevant sociological material such as a study/concept/theory/empirical evidence to support the point (e.g. Jamal) 1 mark for explaining how the material supports the point (e.g. Jamal found that girls in NW Pakistan were expected to marry early and families used limited resources to keep boys at school.) (2 4 marks) 8
Mark scheme, page 7
9699/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 7 of 10 Question Answer Marks 3 ‘All ethnic groups are treated equally in schools.’ Using sociological material, give two arguments against this view. Indicative content Different teacher expectations of pupils based on ethnic stereotypes. Streaming/setting and differential access to resources based on ethnic stereotypes. Different interpretations of behaviour according to ethnicity. Different disciplinary response (e.g. exclusions) related to ethnicity. Ethnocentric curriculum. Racism expressed between pupils/subcultures. Any other relevant argument against this view. Reward a maximum of two arguments. Up to 6 marks are available for each argument. Note: This question is asking for arguments against the view. There are no marks for explaining the view or giving arguments supporting the view. Levels of response Use the following levels to mark each argument. Level 3: 5–6 marks One clear and developed argument against the view that all ethnic groups are treated equally in schools Sociological material, such as concepts, theories and evidence, is used to support the argument against the view. The material selected is appropriate and focused on the question with its relevance made clear. Level 2: 3–4 marks One clear but underdeveloped argument against the view that all ethnic groups are treated equally in schools The material selected is appropriate but not fully focused on the question. Sociological evidence is used but its relevance to the argument is not made clear. Level 1: 1–2 marks One point disagreeing with the view that all ethnic groups are treated equally in schools, which is undeveloped or lacking clarity. Any material selected lacks focus on the specific question. Level 0: 0 marks No response worthy of credit. 12
Mark scheme, page 8
9699/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 8 of 10 Question Answer Marks 4 Evaluate the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. Indicative content In support of the view Against the view Points Increases in inter−generational mobility. Functionalist view of meritocracy to ensure efficient role allocation – Davis and Moore. Parsons on universalistic norms and achieved status. Evidence of working class achievement. Policies such as compensatory education increasing equal opportunities. Increase in qualifications at all levels. Limited inter−generational mobility. Marxist view that education is designed to prepare labour force for capitalism. Myth of meritocracy. Bourdieu’s argument that cultural capital is required for success in education. Material deprivation limits opportunity in education. Policies such as marketisation limit working class access to opportunity. Some policies designed to support social mobility may have the opposite effect, e.g. grammar schools, vocational education. Ethnic and gender disadvantages reinforced by class position Research evidence DfE statistics, Goldthorpe et al Chitty, Heath, Saunders DfE statistics, Youth Cohort Study Centre for Longitudinal Studies, Feinstein, Flaherty, Bull, Tanner, Mortimore and Whitty,Sullivan, Leech and Campos, Paterson and Iannnelli, Breen, Davies Additional concepts Competition, Meritocracy, Compensatory education Material deprivation, Cultural deprivation, Ideological state apparatus, Cultural capital, Marketisation The above content is indicative and other relevant approaches to the question should be rewarded appropriately. 26
Mark scheme, page 9
9699/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 9 of 10 Levels of response for Question 4 The maximum mark for Question 4 is 26. Examiners should award up to 10 marks for AO1, up to 6 marks for AO2, and up to 10 marks for AO3. Level AO1: Knowledge and Understanding Marks 5 Very good knowledge and understanding of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. The response contains a wide range of detailed points with very good use of concepts and theory/research evidence. 9-10 4 Good knowledge and understanding of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. The response contains a range of detailed points with good use of concepts and theory/research evidence. 7–8 3 Reasonable knowledge and understanding of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. The response contains a narrow range of detailed points or a wider range of underdeveloped points, with some use of concepts or theory or research evidence. 5–6 2 Basic knowledge and understanding of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. The response contains a narrow range of underdeveloped points and may include basic references to concepts or theories or research evidence. 3–4 1 Limited knowledge and understanding of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. The response contains only assertive points or common−sense observations. 1–2 0 No knowledge and understanding worthy of credit. 0 Level AO2: Interpretation and Application Marks 3 A range of material is selected which is accurately interpreted, well developed and consistently applied to answering the question. 5–6 2 The material selected will be accurate and relevant but lacks either some development or clear application to the question. 3–4 1 There is some attempt to apply sociological material but this lack focus on or relevance to the specific question. 1–2 0 No interpretation and application worthy of credit. 0
Mark scheme, page 10
9699/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme PUBLISHED May/June 2023 © UCLES 2023 Page 10 of 10 Level AO3: Analysis and Evaluation Marks 5 Very good analysis/evaluation of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. There is clear and sustained analysis. There is detailed and explicit evaluation of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. 9–10 4 Good analysis/evaluation of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. The evaluation is explicit and direct but not sustained or relies on a good account of evidence and arguments suggesting that education does not allow working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. 7–8 3 Some analysis/evaluation of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. There is either one explicitly evaluative point or a simple descriptive account of evidence and arguments suggesting that education does not allow working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. 5–6 2 Basic analysis/evaluation of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. There is an attempt to consider more than one side of the debate or one point suggesting that education does not allow working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. 3–4 1 Limited analysis/evaluation of the view that education allows working class pupils to achieve upward social mobility. Any analysis or evaluation is incidental, confused or simply assertive. 1–2 0 No analysis and evaluation worthy of credit. 0
What you needed in this session
Cambridge’s own grade thresholds for 2023 May/June, Paper 3 · Variant 1. A higher threshold means an easier paper — the bar moves with how the cohort did.