An Inspector Calls – Big Idea 5: Capitalism vs Caring

As an AQA examiner, I’ve seen many students miss out on top marks because they focus too much on quotations rather than engaging with Priestley’s Big Ideas. One of the most important — and most relevant today — is the clash between Capitalism and Caring.

This resource explores how Priestley contrasts selfish capitalist attitudes with the Inspector’s vision of social responsibility. It links directly to the June 2024 AQA Paper 2, Question 2:
“How does Priestley use the Inspector to suggest the need for social change in An Inspector Calls?”

By working through this theme, students develop the skills to analyse Priestley’s methods, use evidence effectively, and connect to his wider socialist message.

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What’s inside:

• A student-friendly overview of Capitalism vs Caring, with accessible vocabulary (capitalism, socialism, responsibility).
• The 2024 AQA exam question, plus an additional exam-style task.
• A Level 6 example response (~500 words) with examiner-level insight into AO1, AO2, and AO3.
• A full debate lesson: “Is it better for society to prioritise profit or people?”
• Activities including an evidence hunt and ranking tasks to explore selfishness vs social responsibility.
• A Language Paper 2 crossover task (Q5 letter): “Write a letter to a national newspaper in which you argue whether businesses today care more about profit than people.”
• Designed for 4–5 full lessons, or as focused revision support.

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Why it matters:

Priestley wrote An Inspector Calls to criticise a society where profit and self-interest came before fairness and community. Mr Birling and Mrs Birling symbolise selfish capitalism, while the Inspector — and the younger generation — represent Priestley’s hope for a more caring, socialist future.

By studying this theme, students not only improve their exam responses but also make clear links to the real-world debates they encounter in AQA Language Paper 2.

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Key Features

• Written with examiner insight.
• Includes a genuine AQA question and a model Level 6 response.
• Debate, discussion, and evidence-based tasks.
• Integrated Language Paper 2, Q5 task for crossover skills.
• Ready-to-teach: works as a mini-scheme (4–5 lessons) or as targeted revision.

Download Big Idea 5: Capitalism vs Caring today and help your students explore Priestley’s message that society must put people before profit.