Social issues and trends — AQA A-Level Spanish Revision

    This sub-theme explores the evolving nature of Hispanic society, focusing on the interplay between traditional values and modern changes, the role of techn

    Topic Synopsis

    This sub-theme explores the evolving nature of Hispanic society, focusing on the interplay between traditional values and modern changes, the role of technology in daily life, and the pursuit of equal rights.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Social issues and trends

    AQA
    A-Level

    This sub-theme explores the evolving nature of Hispanic society, focusing on the interplay between traditional values and modern changes, the role of technology in daily life, and the pursuit of equal rights.

    0
    Objectives
    8
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    0
    Key Terms
    11
    Mark Points

    Subtopics in this area

    Aspects of Hispanic society
    Multiculturalism in Hispanic society

    Topic Overview

    This topic explores the social and cultural landscape of the Spanish-speaking world, focusing on key issues such as immigration, racism, and the evolution of family structures. Students analyse how these trends shape modern society in Spain and Latin America, examining both historical context and contemporary debates. The topic is divided into three subtopics: 'Los cambios en la familia' (changes in the family), 'El mundo laboral' (the world of work), and 'La inmigración' (immigration). Each subtopic requires students to discuss causes, consequences, and societal responses, using specific examples from Spanish-speaking countries.

    Understanding social issues and trends is crucial for developing cultural awareness and critical thinking. It allows students to compare and contrast different societies, recognising how globalisation and local traditions interact. This topic also provides rich material for the speaking exam, where students must express and justify opinions on complex issues. By mastering this content, students gain a deeper appreciation of the diversity within the Spanish-speaking world and the challenges it faces.

    This topic fits into the wider AQA A-Level Spanish course as part of the 'Social issues and trends' paper (Paper 1). It complements the study of political and artistic culture, as many social trends are influenced by political decisions and cultural movements. Students are expected to use a range of tenses, subjunctive mood, and sophisticated vocabulary when discussing these issues, making it a key area for language development.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Immigration patterns: Understand the push and pull factors for immigration in Spain (e.g., from Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe) and the social integration challenges.
    • →Racism and discrimination: Analyse how racism manifests in Spanish society, including institutional racism and xenophobia, and the role of organisations like SOS Racismo.
    • →Changes in family structures: Know the shift from traditional nuclear families to diverse models (single-parent, same-sex, cohabitation) and the legal changes (e.g., same-sex marriage legalised in 2005).
    • →Labour market trends: Study the impact of the gig economy, youth unemployment (especially in Spain), and gender inequality in the workplace.
    • →Regional identity: Understand how regional identities (e.g., Catalan, Basque) intersect with national identity and social issues.

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Ability to discuss modern and traditional values including family structures, marriage, divorce, and the influence of the Catholic Church.
    • Understanding the impact of cyberspace, including the benefits and dangers of the internet and social media, and the role of smartphones.
    • Critical analysis of equal rights, specifically women in the workplace, machismo and feminism, and the rights of gay and transgender individuals.
    • Ability to support arguments with relevant evidence and examples from Spanish-speaking countries.
    • Demonstration of critical and analytical thinking regarding social changes.
    • Ability to discuss the benefits and negative aspects of immigration
    • Understanding of the situation of undocumented immigrants (los indocumentados)
    • Analysis of racist and xenophobic attitudes

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Ability to discuss modern and traditional values including family structures, marriage, divorce, and the influence of the Catholic Church.
    • Understanding the impact of cyberspace, including the benefits and dangers of the internet and social media, and the role of smartphones.
    • Critical analysis of equal rights, specifically women in the workplace, machismo and feminism, and the rights of gay and transgender individuals.
    • Ability to support arguments with relevant evidence and examples from Spanish-speaking countries.
    • Demonstration of critical and analytical thinking regarding social changes.
    • Ability to discuss the benefits and negative aspects of immigration
    • Understanding of the situation of undocumented immigrants (los indocumentados)
    • Analysis of racist and xenophobic attitudes
    • Knowledge of anti-racist measures and legislation
    • Evaluation of the coexistence of cultures (la convivencia)
    • Discussion of the role of education and religion in integration

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Ensure you can discuss these topics in relation to at least one Spanish-speaking country.
    • 💡Use a range of authentic sources, including online media, to stay updated on current social trends.
    • 💡Practice expressing and justifying opinions on sensitive social topics using a variety of complex grammatical structures.
    • 💡In the speaking exam, ensure you can develop your ideas independently of the prompts provided on the stimulus card.
    • 💡Ensure you can discuss these topics in relation to at least one Spanish-speaking country.
    • 💡Use a range of sources, including online media, to support your arguments.
    • 💡In the speaking exam, be prepared to justify your opinions and defend your findings with relevant evidence.
    • 💡Ensure you can use complex language and a wide range of vocabulary to express critical and analytical viewpoints.
    • 💡Use specific examples: When discussing immigration, mention real data (e.g., 2022 statistics from INE) or specific groups (e.g., Moroccan or Ecuadorian communities). This shows depth of knowledge.
    • 💡Balance arguments: For every issue, present both positive and negative aspects. For example, when talking about immigration, discuss both economic contributions and integration challenges. This demonstrates critical thinking.
    • 💡Incorporate subjunctive: Use phrases like 'Es importante que el gobierno tome medidas' or 'Aunque haya problemas de integración...' to show grammatical range and secure higher marks.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Failing to provide specific examples from Spanish-speaking countries.
    • Relying on generalisations rather than critical analysis of social trends.
    • Neglecting to link social issues to their cultural and historical context.
    • Inadequate use of complex language or structures when discussing abstract social concepts.
    • Misconception: Spain is a homogeneous society with no significant racial tensions. Correction: Spain has a long history of diversity, including Romani, Jewish, and Muslim communities, and faces contemporary issues of racism, particularly towards immigrants from Africa and Latin America.
    • Misconception: The family in Spain is always traditional and religious. Correction: While historically Catholic, modern Spain has one of the highest rates of cohabitation and same-sex marriage in Europe, and family structures are increasingly diverse.
    • Misconception: Immigration is only a problem for Spain. Correction: Immigration brings economic benefits, such as filling labour shortages and contributing to social security, and many immigrants are well integrated.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic knowledge of Spanish grammar, especially the subjunctive mood, as it is essential for expressing opinions and hypotheses.
    • •Familiarity with the history of Spain in the 20th century, including the Franco dictatorship and the transition to democracy, as this context influences many social issues.
    • •Understanding of key vocabulary related to social issues (e.g., 'la desigualdad', 'la discriminación', 'la integración').

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Analiza
    Evalúa
    Discute
    Justifica
    Comenta
    Compara

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