Social issues and trends — AQA A-Level French Revision

    This subtopic explores current trends in French-speaking society, focusing on the evolution of family structures, the impact of technology on daily life an

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic explores current trends in French-speaking society, focusing on the evolution of family structures, the impact of technology on daily life and society, and the role and value of voluntary work.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Social issues and trends

    AQA
    A-Level

    This subtopic explores current trends in French-speaking society, focusing on the evolution of family structures, the impact of technology on daily life and society, and the role and value of voluntary work.

    0
    Objectives
    9
    Exam Tips
    9
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    9
    Mark Points

    Subtopics in this area

    Aspects of French-speaking society: current trends
    Aspects of French-speaking society: current issues

    Topic Overview

    This topic explores key social issues and trends in the French-speaking world, including family structures, immigration, and the changing nature of work. You will examine how French society has evolved since the mid-20th century, focusing on legal reforms (e.g., PACS, same-sex marriage), demographic shifts, and debates around laïcité (secularism). Understanding these issues is crucial for discussing modern France in essays and oral exams.

    The topic is divided into three sub-themes: the changing family (e.g., marriage, cohabitation, single-parent families), immigration and multiculturalism (e.g., integration, discrimination, the banlieues), and the world of work (e.g., gender equality, unemployment, the 35-hour week). Each sub-theme requires you to know key statistics, dates, and vocabulary, as well as to express opinions and analyse causes and consequences.

    Mastering this topic will help you in Paper 1 (listening, reading, writing) and Paper 3 (speaking), where you may be asked to discuss these issues in depth. It also connects to the 'Aspects of French-speaking society' strand, so you can draw on knowledge from other sub-themes like cyber-society or cultural heritage.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Laïcité: The French principle of secularism, which separates religion from state affairs and restricts religious symbols in public institutions (e.g., the 2004 law banning headscarves in schools).
    • →PACS (Pacte Civil de Solidarité): A civil union introduced in 1999, offering legal recognition for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, with fewer obligations than marriage.
    • →Intégration vs. assimilation: Integration allows immigrants to maintain their culture while participating in society; assimilation requires adopting French norms. The French model traditionally favoured assimilation, but this is debated.
    • →Le SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de Croissance): The minimum wage in France, adjusted annually. It is a key tool for addressing income inequality and is often linked to debates about the 35-hour work week.
    • →Parité: The principle of gender equality, particularly in politics (e.g., the 2000 law requiring equal numbers of male and female candidates on party lists).

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Ability to discuss the changing nature of family, including diverse family structures like single-parent, same-sex, and blended families.
    • Understanding of the relationship dynamics between grandparents, parents, and children.
    • Critical analysis of the 'cyber-society', including its benefits for daily life and the risks it poses.
    • Evaluation of the role of voluntary work, including the motivations of volunteers and the value provided to both the volunteers and those they assist.
    • Ability to discuss positive features of a diverse society including ethnic mix, tolerance, and respect.
    • Understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups and the attitudes towards them.
    • Critical evaluation of how criminals are treated, including attitudes towards criminality and the effectiveness of prison versus other sanctions.
    • Use of accurate and complex language to express opinions and justify arguments.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Ability to discuss the changing nature of family, including diverse family structures like single-parent, same-sex, and blended families.
    • Understanding of the relationship dynamics between grandparents, parents, and children.
    • Critical analysis of the 'cyber-society', including its benefits for daily life and the risks it poses.
    • Evaluation of the role of voluntary work, including the motivations of volunteers and the value provided to both the volunteers and those they assist.
    • Ability to discuss positive features of a diverse society including ethnic mix, tolerance, and respect.
    • Understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups and the attitudes towards them.
    • Critical evaluation of how criminals are treated, including attitudes towards criminality and the effectiveness of prison versus other sanctions.
    • Use of accurate and complex language to express opinions and justify arguments.
    • Ability to initiate and sustain communication in the target language.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Use authentic sources, including online media, to research these topics to ensure your arguments are current and well-informed.
    • 💡In the speaking exam, ensure you can initiate communication and develop your ideas independently of prompts.
    • 💡Practice using complex grammatical structures and a wide range of vocabulary to access the higher mark bands.
    • 💡Ensure you can justify your opinions with relevant evidence and evaluate the issues critically.
    • 💡Ensure you can discuss the sub-theme in relation to at least one French-speaking country.
    • 💡Use a variety of authentic sources, including online media, to build your knowledge.
    • 💡Practice asking questions with a conjugated verb during speaking preparation.
    • 💡Focus on developing arguments rather than just listing facts.
    • 💡Use self-correction and repair strategies if you make a mistake during the speaking exam.
    • 💡Use specific examples and statistics to support your arguments. For instance, mention that in 2020, 58% of children were born outside marriage in France, or that the unemployment rate for under-25s was around 20% in 2023. This shows depth of knowledge.
    • 💡In essays, structure your paragraphs with a clear point, evidence, and analysis. For example, when discussing the family, state a change (e.g., rise in single-parent families), give a statistic (e.g., 1 in 4 families), and explain the social or economic reasons.
    • 💡For the speaking exam, prepare to discuss both positive and negative aspects of each issue. For example, on immigration, you could talk about economic benefits (filling labour shortages) and challenges (integration in the banlieues).

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Failing to provide a critical or analytical response in the speaking assessment.
    • Relying on generic descriptions rather than specific, well-supported arguments.
    • Not using a range of vocabulary and complex language structures appropriate for A-level.
    • In the speaking exam, failing to ask the teacher-examiner two questions that seek information or an opinion using a conjugated verb.
    • Failing to use a range of complex grammatical structures.
    • Relying on simplistic vocabulary rather than topic-specific lexis.
    • Not providing sufficient evidence or justification for opinions expressed.
    • Inability to handle unpredictable elements in the speaking assessment.
    • Poor pronunciation and intonation affecting communication.
    • Misconception: 'Laïcité means France is an atheist country.' Correction: Laïcité guarantees freedom of religion and belief, but the state remains neutral. It does not ban religion; it bans religious interference in state affairs.
    • Misconception: 'The 35-hour work week means everyone works exactly 35 hours.' Correction: The 35-hour week is a legal maximum for full-time employees, but many sectors have overtime or agreements that allow longer hours with compensation.
    • Misconception: 'Immigration to France is a recent phenomenon.' Correction: France has a long history of immigration, especially from Southern Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and from former colonies after WWII.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary for expressing opinions (e.g., 'à mon avis', 'il est essentiel de', 'cependant').
    • •Familiarity with key historical events in France (e.g., the French Revolution, WWII, decolonisation) as they shape modern social issues.
    • •Understanding of the French political system (e.g., the role of the President, Parliament, and laws) to discuss policy changes.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Analyse
    Evaluate
    Discuss
    Justify
    Summarise
    Explain
    Analyze

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