Edexcel A-Level Politics | Paper 2 | 2026 Predicted Paper | Question 5(b) Mark Scheme
Question 5 Mark Scheme: Feminism
Question 5 is a 24-mark Political Ideas essay, worth 8 marks each for AO1, AO2 and AO3. The command phrase “To what extent” requires students to identify areas of agreement and disagreement within feminism, compare them directly, and reach a sustained judgement about the degree of unity.
Pearson requires students to consider both sides and to use specific thinkers from the feminism section of the specification. If either is missing, the response cannot progress beyond Level 2. The prescribed feminist thinkers are Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Simone de Beauvoir, Kate Millett, Sheila Rowbotham and bell hooks.
Levels of response
Level | Marks | Characteristics |
Level 1 | 1–4 | Superficial knowledge, limited comparison and largely unsupported judgements. |
Level 2 | 5–9 | Some accurate knowledge and emerging comparison, but analysis and evaluation are only partly developed. |
Level 3 | 10–14 | Mostly accurate knowledge, focused comparison and generally effective evaluation, with some supported judgements. |
Level 4 | 15–19 | Accurate, carefully selected knowledge, consistent comparative analysis and mostly substantiated judgements. |
Level 5 | 20–24 | Thorough knowledge, perceptive and sustained comparison, consistently substantiated evaluation and a fully focused, justified conclusion. |
These are the current Edexcel levels for the feminism questions in Paper 2.
Question 5(b)
Question
To what extent do feminists agree that patriarchy is the most important feature of society that must be challenged?
This question requires more than defining patriarchy. Students must compare whether the different strands regard patriarchy as the primary source of women's oppression, and then distinguish that from other explanations, particularly capitalism and intersectional forms of oppression.
The specification defines patriarchy as systematic, institutionalised and pervasive gender oppression across society, the state and the economy, and specifically requires students to compare how different feminists understand both its nature and importance.
Indicative content
Arguments supporting agreement
All feminist strands recognise gender inequality as a major problem.
The specification defines feminism itself around unequal gender power and status.
All forms of feminism seek to improve women's social position and overcome disadvantage.
This creates an important common commitment to challenging structures which disadvantage women.
Want to read more?
Subscribe to revision-notes.com to keep reading this exclusive post.