A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

What methodology did Willis use to study the counter culture of working class boys?

1. Surveys and statistics

2. Qualitative ethnography

3. Experimental research

4. Longitudinal studies

The correct answer is: Qualitative ethnography

Willis employed qualitative ethnography to study the counter culture of working-class boys, focusing on an in-depth, immersive approach to understand their experiences and perspectives. This methodology allowed him to observe the boys in their natural environment, engage in conversations with them, and interpret their social interactions, values, and attitudes toward education and work. By using qualitative ethnography, Willis captured the complexities of their counter culture, showcasing their resistance to schooling and their rationale behind it, which would have been difficult to achieve through quantitative methods or surveys that lack the depth of personal insight. The other methodologies would not have been suitable for this type of sociological inquiry. Surveys and statistics primarily provide numerical data, limiting the understanding of social dynamics and individual experiences. Experimental research involves manipulating variables in a controlled setting, which is not ideal for studying the lived experiences of a specific group in their authentic context. Longitudinal studies focus on data collection over time to observe changes but do not delve as deeply into the qualitative aspects of the counter culture in the way that ethnography does. Thus, qualitative ethnography is the most fitting choice for Willis's approach.