A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

How do working-class families generally view their family structure?

1. As a burden

2. As a positive aspect of life

3. As outdated

4. As a barrier to success

The correct answer is: As a positive aspect of life

Working-class families generally view their family structure as a positive aspect of life because they often attribute significant value to their family ties and relationships. These families tend to emphasize the importance of support, emotional bonds, and collective resilience as crucial components of their daily lives. Family can provide a sense of belonging and identity, which helps individuals navigate the challenges associated with economic hardship. While issues such as financial strain may exist, many families find strength, stability, and comfort in their connections, particularly during tough times. This view aligns with the sociological understanding that family can serve as both an emotional and practical support system, highlighting its central role in the lives of working-class individuals. This contrasts with the other options, where viewing family as a burden would suggest a detrimental perspective that undermines the potential for emotional support. Labeling family structures as outdated would ignore the evolving nature of family dynamics in response to socioeconomic changes. Finally, seeing family as a barrier to success suggests that family ties are intrinsically negative, which does not capture the supportive role they often play in working-class contexts.