Social inequality: past paper questions
Real questions on social inequality
The newest 20 of 222 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(i)[2]
emigration
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(ii)[2]
unemployment benefits.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[2]
State two features of modern slavery.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[6]
Describe three ways transnational companies (TNCs) damage the environment.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3d[6]
Explain three ways patriarchy creates global inequalities.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3e[8]
Discuss how non-governmental organisations (NGOs) reduce inequalities. Your answer should include: • at least three developed points with evidence.
See it on the paper → - 0495/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3f[14]
Evaluate the functionalist view that societies are meritocratic. Your answer should include: • at least three arguments for and three arguments against • a conclusion.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(i)[2]
caste system
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(ii)[2]
universal education.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[2]
State two forms of wealth.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[6]
Explain three ways people can be affected by a lack of power.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3d[6]
Explain three feminist criticisms of equality legislation.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3e[8]
Discuss the view that societies are becoming more culturally diverse. Your answer should include: • at least three developed points with evidence.
See it on the paper → - 0495/12 · October/November 2025 · Q3f[14]
Evaluate the view that the welfare state has failed to reduce poverty. Your answer should include: • at least three arguments for and three arguments against • a conclusion.
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(i)[2]
push factors
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(ii)[2]
dependency culture.
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3b[2]
Give two examples of pollution that can affect societies.
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[6]
Explain three ways status can be ascribed.
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3d[6]
Explain three ways the welfare state can improve life chances.
See it on the paper → - 0495/13 · October/November 2025 · Q3e[8]
Discuss the view that individuals are advantaged by being upper class. Your answer should include: • at least three developed points with evidence.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates gave a clear definition of the term ‘Marxism,’ referring to two elements such as the sociological theory or perspective that argues that society is divided along social class lines. Many referred to the bourgeoisie and the proletariat and/or the idea that the former exploits or oppresses the other. A small number of candidates did not understand the term in the question, confusing...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0495/11 Q3(a) (Cambridge)
This question asked candidates to describe two examples of prejudice based on ethnicity. Only about half of the cohort scored full marks. Correct responses included examples of discrimination that were clearly based on prejudice. Some cited racism against Black people or discrimination against Jewish people but did not elaborate. A few candidates neglected the ethnic element to the question and ci...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0495/11 Q3(b) (Cambridge)
This question asked candidates to explain how being working class can affect a person’s life chances. Many candidates found this a challenge. Creditworthy points most often linked to worse life chances in terms of education due to material deprivation so they have no access to better private schools nor even decent quality resources or an environment conducive to study. In terms of social mobility...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0495/11 Q3(c) (Cambridge)
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