1. Short Answer Questions

2.  Short Answer Questions are marked out of 15 5 marks for knowledge/understanding ; 7 marks for analysis and evaluation ; 3 marks for quality of communication.  You should spend 15 mins on each answer – 250 to 300 words.  Questions may have two parts eg: How and why (answer both) not  Answers should be concise – you do not need an introduction or a conclusion. The questions focus on narrow parts of the specification – this will usually require a definition and explaining why or how concept you are looking at is important.  Answers require precise definitions, an accurate use of terminology, supporting facts, quotations and names.  Unit 4 liberalism, conservatism and socialism. within  Unit 4 examines ideological traditions that have developed out of, or emerged in opposition to, liberalism, conservatism and socialism. Questions in Unit 4 are more likely to look at links/criticisms associated with liberalism, conservatism and socialism than comparing topics within Unit 4.

3. How and why have multiculturalists supported minority rights? Minority rights are rights that belong to groups rather than individuals. Kymlicka identified three kinds:  self-government rights  polyethnic rights  special group representation rights Minority rights are important because they:  Help uphold/protect cultural identity  Help uphold/protect cultural identity, eg legal Cultural identity also helps create unity. exemptions. Cultural identity also helps create unity.  Advance social justice,  Advance social justice, eg ‘positive’ discrimination compensates marginalised groups for past injustices or present disadvantages

4. On what grounds do multiculturalists defend diversity? first part The first part of an answer requires a general explanation of how diversity benefits both the individual and to society. second part The second part your answer requires a recognition that there are perspectives within multiculturalism:  Liberal multiculturalism  Liberal multiculturalism only accepts diversity within a liberal framework, eg they will not accept groups/actions which are intolerant or actions which harm others.  Pluralist multiculturalism  Pluralist multiculturalism puts more emphasis on diversity.Can mention:  Isaiah Berlin and value pluralism  Parekh - human beings are not the same everywhere, but are culturally embedded in the sense they are deeply shaped by their cultural communities. The beliefs and practices of these cultural communities should be respected even where they seem to conflict with universal rights.  Cosmopolitan multiculturalists  Cosmopolitan multiculturalists see culture as fluid and changing over time in response to social circumstances and personal needs. For cosmopolitan multiculturalists a multicultural society is thus a ‘melting pot’ of different values traditions, ideas etc. Diversity is celebrated in terms of what different cultures can learn from each other. Cosmopolitan multiculturalists support diversity, but see it as a transitional position.

5. Why have conservatives had reservations about multiculturalism? Why have conservatives had reservations about multiculturalism? explain (not just state) organic society human beings are dependent and security seeking. The key aspect of this question is to make sure you explain (not just state) the idea of an organic society and the idea that human beings are dependent and security seeking. shared values and a common culture are a necessary precondition for a stable and successful society. The ideas underpin the conservative view that shared values and a common culture are a necessary precondition for a stable and successful society. Multicultural societies Multicultural societies are inevitably fractured and conflict-ridden societies in which suspicion, hostility and even violence are commonplace.

6. Why have some multiculturalists criticised liberalism? Berlin and Parekh The easiest way to approach this is to look at Pluralist multiculturalists criticisms of liberalism. This allows you to support the arguments below by mentioning the ideas of people such as Berlin and Parekh. The main criticism are:  Liberals tend to ‘ absolutise’ liberalism, ie they only endorse ‘diversity within a liberal framework’. all This is underpinned by the idea that there are universal values that are applicable to all societies and cultures. This fails to show proper respect for non-liberal values and traditions  Liberals have sometimes been reluctant to accept public recognition of different cultures. This belongs in the private sphere rather than the public sphere.  Liberals regard liberal democracy as the only legitimate political system, seeing rival systems as oppressive.

7. Essay Questions

8.  Essays require broader knowledge than short answer questions, but your answer still needs to be focused. Questions will be open ended - they may permit two or more legitimate answers.  Answers should have a beginning (introduction), a middle (argument) and an end (conclusion)  Introduction should:  Define key terms used in the question  Show an understanding of the point of the question  Outline argument to be adopted/conclusion favoured. This is optional  Argument should:  Make points in a logically related order  Consider contrasting viewpoints (for/against, +s/-s, benefits/drawbacks)  Support points with appropriate evidence (make a point and prove it)  Qualify points where appropriate (however, on the other hand etc)  Conclusions  Are needed (do not ‘sit on the fence’ unless the question invites you to)  Should be short and clear. Start with a one sentence answer to the question set (in conclusion…)  Summarise key factors that support your conclusion (no new material)

9. To what extent is there tension between multiculturalism and liberalism? This essay requires an explanation of: universalist liberal  A universalist liberal criticism of multiculturalism, with a focus on the importance of individual freedom and personal development. liberal multiculturalists  How liberal multiculturalists have tried to embrace multiculturalism within a liberal framework. Liberal pluralists  The criticisms made by Liberal pluralists, such as Berlin

10. ‘Multiculturalism breeds tension and social conflict.’ Discuss. The most popular approach to this question was to explain why critics of multiculturalism believe it breeding tension and social conflict. The important thing is to do this within an ideological framework by looking at the objections to multiculturalism made by: Conservatives  Conservatives who focus the need for shared values/culture to achieve a stable and successful society They thus stress nationalism over multiculturalism. Feminists  Feminists who draw attention to multiculturalisms capacity to deepen gender conflict. This happens when it is used to legitimise patriarchal and traditional beliefs that systematically disadvantage women.  Socialists. The Social reformist critique of multiculturalism draws attention to how cultural difference narrows people’s obligations towards fellow citizens. You then need to look at the multiculturalists rejection of the idea multiculturalism breeds tension and social conflict You then need to look at the multiculturalists rejection of the idea multiculturalism breeds tension and social conflict. You need to look at this within a framework of different multiculturalist outlooks – liberal, pluralist etc. synoptic element This is the synoptic element of the question