With reference to one country of the region, to what extent have changing gender roles had a significant impact on the society of that country?

Candidates will consider how far attitudes towards gender have changed and how significant this impact has been on the society of one country in the region up to the year 2000. Opinions and conclusions will be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.

Indicative content

• Candidates should give specific examples of how attitudes towards gender have developed over the set period.
• In many countries women gained greater political representation and more participation in politics at local and national levels.
• Economically, women gained more rights and had greater opportunities. In many countries women gained equality in terms of property and inheritance rights. There was greater social mobility for women and access to new careers.
• In terms of society and culture, women in most countries had greater access to schooling and tertiary education. Access to family planning enabled women to control their own lives more.
• The impact of these changes on society depends greatly on the country chosen. Where women have gained significantly more rights and opportunities there may have been criticism that this has led to a breakdown in the family structure. In other countries, the changes may not have been significant enough to affect society.
• Candidates may also discuss the changing role of men.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]