Demographic trends (birth rates, death rates, marriage rates, divorce rates)

AQA

GCSE

This study component requires a rigorous analysis of UK demographic trends from 1900 to the present, focusing on the interplay between social policy, economic shifts, and changing cultural norms. Candidates must evaluate the causes and consequences of fluctuations in birth rates, death rates, and family formation metrics (marriage/divorce). Mastery involves linking statistical trends (e.g., the decline in the Total Fertility Rate) to broader sociological structural changes, such as the changing position of women and the secularisation of society.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award marks for explicit use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'secularisation', 'confluent love', 'dependency ratio') rather than lay descriptions.
Credit responses that link demographic trends directly to specific social changes, such as the 1969 Divorce Reform Act facilitating the rise in divorce rates.
Candidates must analyse the impact of an ageing population on family structures, specifically the increase in 'sandwich generation' responsibilities.
High-level responses must evaluate the extent of change, contrasting functionalist views on family stability with feminist perspectives on women's independence.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award marks for explicit use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'secularisation', 'confluent love', 'dependency ratio') rather than lay descriptions.
Credit responses that link demographic trends directly to specific social changes, such as the 1969 Divorce Reform Act facilitating the rise in divorce rates.
Candidates must analyse the impact of an ageing population on family structures, specifically the increase in 'sandwich generation' responsibilities.
High-level responses must evaluate the extent of change, contrasting functionalist views on family stability with feminist perspectives on women's independence.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When answering 'Discuss how far' questions, ensure the conclusion directly addresses the 'how far' element rather than just summarising.
💡Use the 'PEEL' structure (Point, Evidence/Example, Explanation, Link) for 12-mark essays to ensure depth of analysis.
💡For questions based on an Item, explicitly quote or refer to the data/text in the Item to secure AO2 application marks.
💡Memorise specific legislation dates (e.g., 1969, 2014) to provide concrete evidence for arguments regarding marriage and divorce.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing 'fertility rate' (average children per woman) with 'birth rate' (births per 1000 population) in definitions.
Relying on anecdotal or personal experience (e.g., 'people divorce because they argue') rather than sociological reasons (e.g., 'changing social norms').
Failing to explicitly reference the 'Item' provided in the question when instructed, limiting the mark cap for AO2 application.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Identify

Describe

Explain

Discuss how far

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