AQA A-Level Sociology | Paper 2 | 2026 Predicted Paper | Section B: Beliefs in Society Mark Scheme
Question 13
Outline and explain two ways in which religious practices may contribute to social solidarity.
[10 marks]
What the question requires
Outline and explain requires students to identify two distinct ways in which religious practices may create or strengthen social solidarity, and then explain the sociological process involved. For 10 marks, two developed paragraphs are appropriate. There is no Item and no need for an introduction, conclusion or extended evaluation.
The key is to make the connection explicit:
religious practice → shared experience/values → stronger social bonds or integration.
A general description of religion or a list of functions of religion would not fully address the question.
Marking guidance
Marks | Descriptor |
8–10 | Very good knowledge and understanding of two ways in which religious practices may contribute to social solidarity. There are two developed applications of relevant sociological material and appropriate analysis explaining how religious practices strengthen shared values, collective identity or social integration. |
4–7 | Reasonable to good knowledge and understanding of one or two relevant ways. There is some sociological development, although one point may be stronger than the other or the link to social solidarity may be insufficiently explicit. |
1–3 | Limited knowledge and understanding. The answer may describe religious practices or religion generally without explaining how they produce social solidarity. There will be little or no analysis. |
0 | No relevant material. |
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