Medium3 marksStructured
FamiliesFamiliesDivorceFamily Change

AQA GCSE · Question 04 · Families

Identify and describe one consequence of divorce for family members.

How to approach this question

First, identify a clear consequence of divorce (1 mark). This could be emotional, financial, or social. Then, describe this consequence in more detail, explaining how it affects one or more family members (2 marks). For example, if you identify financial hardship, explain why this happens (e.g., loss of one income, cost of two homes) and who it affects (e.g., the mother and children).

Full Answer

One consequence of divorce for family members is emotional distress for children. This can manifest as feelings of sadness, anger, or confusion as they have to adjust to their parents living separately. They may feel torn between their parents or blame themselves for the separation, which can negatively impact their well-being and behaviour.
Divorce has numerous consequences for family members. Financially, it often leads to a drop in the standard of living, particularly for women and children, as one income may now have to support two households. Emotionally, both adults and children can experience stress, grief, and anxiety. Socially, it can lead to changes in relationships with friends and extended family. It also leads to the creation of new family structures, such as lone-parent families and, eventually, reconstituted (or step-) families.

Common mistakes

Students might identify a consequence but fail to describe it in enough detail to gain all the marks. For example, just stating 'it's bad for children' is not enough; you need to explain *why* it can be bad (e.g., emotional distress, loss of contact with a parent).

Practice the full AQA GCSE Sociology Paper 1

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