Sociology - Revision Exam Questions (Certificate Level, Kenya)

Section A: Basic Concepts (20 Marks)

1. Defining Sociology

Question: Define sociology and explain TWO ways it differs from common sense knowledge about society. (10 marks)

Model Answer: - Definition: Scientific study of human social behavior, institutions, and relationships (3 marks) - Differences: 1. Uses systematic research methods vs. anecdotal observations (4 marks) 2. Seeks patterns/trends rather than individual experiences (3 marks)

2. Sociological Perspectives

Question: Contrast functionalist and conflict views of education in Kenya using specific examples. (10 marks)

Model Answer: - Functionalist: Education maintains social order (e.g., CBC preparing skilled workers) (5 marks) - Conflict: Education reproduces inequality (e.g., disparity between national and county schools) (5 marks)

Section B: Social Institutions (30 Marks)

3. Family Structures

Question: Classify these Kenyan family types and analyze ONE challenge each faces: a) Urban nuclear family in Nairobi
b) Pastoralist extended family in Turkana (15 marks)

Model Answer: a) Nuclear: Challenge = High cost of living strains single-income households (7 marks)
b) Extended: Challenge = Resource pressure during droughts (8 marks)

4. Religion and Society

Question: Examine THREE functions of religion in contemporary Kenyan society. (15 marks)

Model Answer: 1. Social cohesion: Interfaith initiatives post-2007 elections (5 marks)
2. Moral guidance: Church-led anti-corruption campaigns (5 marks)
3. Economic role: Faith-based hospitals/schools (5 marks)

Section C: Social Stratification (25 Marks)

5. Class System

Question: Using the table below, compare social mobility in Kenya’s formal vs. informal sectors: (15 marks)

Factor Formal Sector Informal Sector
Education Degree requirements Skills-based (jua kali)
Income Growth Promotional ladders Seasonal fluctuations

Scoring: 3 marks per correct cell + 3 marks for analysis

6. Gender Inequality

Question: Discuss how patriarchal norms manifest in: a) Land inheritance in rural Kenya
b) Political representation (10 marks)

Model Answer: a) Male preferential inheritance in communities like the Kikuyu (5 marks)
b) Women comprising only 23% of Parliament (2022 figures) (5 marks)

Section D: Social Change (25 Marks)

7. Urbanization

Question: Analyze THREE social problems in Nairobi’s informal settlements using sociological concepts. (15 marks)

Model Answer: 1. Anomie in slums (breakdown of norms) (5 marks)
2. Strain theory and crime (5 marks)
3. Subcultures of survival (e.g., street families) (5 marks)

8. Technology

Question: Evaluate how mobile phones have changed: a) Family communication
b) Youth socialization (10 marks)

Model Answer: a) Increased connectivity but reduced face-to-face interaction (5 marks)
b) New digital subcultures (e.g., TikTok trends) (5 marks)

Section E: Research Methods (20 Marks)

9. Data Collection

Question: Design a research plan to study drug abuse among Kenyan college students including: - Research question
- Suitable method
- ONE ethical consideration (15 marks)

Model Answer: - Question: “How does peer pressure influence substance use?” (5 marks)
- Method: Confidential surveys with random sampling (5 marks)
- Ethics: Protecting participants’ anonymity (5 marks)

10. Sociological Theories

Question: Match these Kenyan scenarios to theoretical perspectives:
a) Harambee spirit developing infrastructure
b) Trade union protests
c) Matatu graffiti as youth expression (5 marks)

Answers:
a) Functionalism
b) Conflict theory
c) Symbolic interactionism
(2 marks each, 1 mark for last)

Section F: Applied Sociology (20 Marks)

11. Deviance

Case Study: Rising cases of teenage pregnancy in Kilifi County.

Tasks:
a) Identify TWO social causes (6 marks)
b) Propose THREE sociological solutions (9 marks)
c) Name a relevant Kenyan policy (5 marks)

Model Answer:
a) Poverty and lack of sex education (3 marks each)
b) 1. Community mentorship programs
2. School-based reproductive health education
3. Economic empowerment for girls (3 marks each)
c) Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy (5 marks)

12. Globalization

Question: Assess how globalization has affected: a) Kenyan dress culture
b) Traditional food systems (10 marks)

Model Answer:
a) Hybrid fashion (e.g., kitenge jeans) (5 marks)
b) Decline in indigenous crops vs. fast food spread (5 marks)