Describe the type of statistical data shown in Item A. Identify the trend shown by the data and explain one factor which may account for this trend.
How to approach this question
Break the question into three parts. First, identify the type of data (1 mark). Second, describe the trend shown in the chart (1 mark). Third, explain one sociological reason for this trend (2 marks). For the explanation, link a known social change (e.g., divorce, ageing population, delayed marriage) to the increase in people living alone.
Full Answer
The data are official statistics collected by the government (ONS). The clear trend is an increase in solo living. Sociological factors accounting for this include:
1. **Ageing population:** People are living longer, so there are more elderly widows/widowers living alone.
2. **Rising divorce rate:** Divorce creates two households from one.
3. **Delayed marriage:** Young people are marrying later or not at all, spending more of their adult life living alone.
4. **Individualism:** There is less social pressure to marry and cohabit; living alone is more socially acceptable.
Common mistakes
Students may correctly identify the trend but provide a weak or non-sociological explanation. For example, saying 'people want to live alone' is not as strong as linking it to a specific social change like the declining stigma around singlehood or rising divorce rates.
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