Social issues and trends — AQA A-Level German Revision

    This topic covers two main areas: Aspects of German-speaking society (family, digital world, and youth culture) and Multiculturalism in German-speaking soc

    Topic Synopsis

    This topic covers two main areas: Aspects of German-speaking society (family, digital world, and youth culture) and Multiculturalism in German-speaking society (immigration, integration, and racism). Students must study these themes in relation to at least one German-speaking country using a range of sources.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Social issues and trends

    AQA
    A-Level

    This topic covers two main areas: Aspects of German-speaking society (family, digital world, and youth culture) and Multiculturalism in German-speaking society (immigration, integration, and racism). Students must study these themes in relation to at least one German-speaking country using a range of sources.

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    Objectives
    5
    Exam Tips
    5
    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    6
    Mark Points

    Topic Overview

    This topic explores the key social issues and trends in German-speaking countries, focusing on the changing nature of family structures, the integration of migrants, and the challenges of an ageing population. You will examine how these developments are reflected in German society, politics, and media, and consider the debates they provoke. Understanding these issues is essential for discussing contemporary Germany in your A-Level exam and for developing a nuanced view of German culture.

    The topic is divided into three main areas: the evolution of family life (including marriage, cohabitation, and same-sex partnerships), the impact of migration (from Gastarbeiter to the 2015 refugee crisis), and the implications of demographic change (such as pension reform and care for the elderly). Each area requires you to analyse statistics, policy responses, and public opinion, and to compare them with the UK context where relevant.

    Mastering this topic will enable you to write and speak confidently about modern German society, using specific examples and vocabulary. It also provides a foundation for understanding broader themes like multiculturalism, social cohesion, and the role of the state, which are central to the AQA A-Level specification.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Wandel der Familienstrukturen: The decline of the traditional nuclear family, rise of single-parent households, patchwork families, and the legalisation of same-sex marriage (Ehe für alle) in 2017.
    • →Integration und Migration: The history of migration to Germany (Gastarbeiter, Aussiedler, asylum seekers), the concept of Leitkultur, and the challenges of integrating refugees, especially after 2015.
    • →Demografischer Wandel: Germany's low birth rate (1.5 children per woman), ageing population (Renteneintrittsalter raised to 67), and the resulting strain on the pension system and healthcare.
    • →Soziale Ungleichheit: The gap between rich and poor, the role of the welfare state (Sozialstaat), and debates about Hartz IV reforms and the minimum wage (Mindestlohn).
    • →Multikulturelle Gesellschaft: The concept of a multicultural society versus assimilation, the rise of right-wing populism (AfD), and the integration of Muslims in Germany.

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Ability to initiate and conduct individual research
    • Critical and analytical response to concepts and issues
    • Use of authentic spoken and written sources
    • Ability to infer meaning from complex material
    • Accurate application of grammar and vocabulary
    • Ability to justify opinions with relevant evidence

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Ability to initiate and conduct individual research
    • Critical and analytical response to concepts and issues
    • Use of authentic spoken and written sources
    • Ability to infer meaning from complex material
    • Accurate application of grammar and vocabulary
    • Ability to justify opinions with relevant evidence

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Use the 5-minute preparation time for the speaking exam to make notes on the stimulus card
    • 💡Ensure you ask two questions in the speaking exam that seek information or an opinion
    • 💡Write approximately 300 words for essays to ensure access to the full range of marks
    • 💡Use a wide range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures
    • 💡Focus on critical appreciation and analytical response rather than just description
    • 💡Use specific statistics and examples to support your arguments. For instance, mention that Germany's birth rate is 1.5 children per woman, or that over 1 million refugees arrived in 2015. This shows you have learned the facts.
    • 💡Compare and contrast with the UK where relevant. For example, compare Germany's integration policies (e.g., language courses, civic orientation courses) with those in the UK. This demonstrates a wider understanding.
    • 💡Always link your points to the wider social and political context. For example, when discussing the ageing population, connect it to the 2017 pension reform or the debate about raising the retirement age. This shows you can analyse rather than just describe.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Lifting language directly from stimulus material without rephrasing
    • Including irrelevant material in summaries
    • Failing to ask questions containing a conjugated verb in the speaking exam
    • Providing factual information without critical analysis or evaluation
    • Not supporting opinions with appropriate evidence
    • Misconception: Germany has no problem with racism or discrimination. Correction: While Germany has strong anti-discrimination laws, studies show that people with a migration background face disadvantages in housing, employment, and education, and far-right extremism is a growing concern.
    • Misconception: The German family is still very traditional with a male breadwinner. Correction: Although traditional models persist, especially in the former East Germany, dual-earner couples are now the norm, and the government has expanded parental leave (Elternzeit) and childcare provision to support working parents.
    • Misconception: All migrants in Germany are refugees. Correction: Germany has a diverse migrant population, including EU citizens (especially from Poland and Romania), skilled workers (Fachkräfte), and family reunification cases. Refugees make up only a portion of the total.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic knowledge of German history post-1945, especially the division and reunification, as this shapes many social attitudes.
    • •Familiarity with key German political parties (CDU/CSU, SPD, AfD, Grüne) and their stances on social issues.
    • •Understanding of the German welfare state (Sozialstaat) and its core principles (e.g., solidarity, subsidiarity).

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Analyse
    Evaluate
    Summarise
    Discuss
    Justify
    Defend

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