Question 1

SOURCE TEXT:
Item A

There are concerns from some social commentators about the relatively high level of youth crime in society.

The Ministry of Justice produced a report entitled 'Youth Justice Statistics: 2018 to 2019', in which they presented the national statistics on recorded criminal behaviour amongst young people (below the age of 18). The report stated that there were 21 700 children either cautioned or sentenced in that time. Of this group:

• 85% were male
• 15% were female
• 73% were White
• 27% were Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
• 23% were aged 10–14
• 77% were aged 15–17.

Source: Ministry of Justice, 2020

QUESTION:
Identify and explain one factor which may account for the relatively high level of crime that is committed by young people, according to Item A.

Accepted Answer

First, identify a sociological factor that explains youth crime (e.g., peer pressure, status frustration, lack of opportunity). Then, explain how this factor leads to criminal behaviour. Finally, link your explanation to the data in Item A, for example, by referring to the high percentage of offenders in the 15-17 age group.

Question 2

What mistakes do candidates make on this AQA GCSE question?

Accepted Answer

Providing a common-sense explanation (e.g., 'they are bored') without using sociological concepts or linking it to the data in Item A.

How to approach this question

Full Answer

Common mistakes

Practice the full AQA GCSE Sociology Paper 2

More questions from this exam