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.
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.
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