3b — Weberian explanations of age inequalities

Question 1

Weber age

Answer 1

2 class model = OVERSIMPLIFICATION
— Life chances influenced by 3: CLASS, STATUS, PARTY

oldest and youngest ascribed lower status and power

cultural stereotypes

in some East Asian cultures, oldest have highest power and status

Britain: youth inexperienced, old vulnerable

Question 2

Barron and Norris age

Answer 2

work sector consists of 2 sectors, primary and secondary

PRIMARY: secure, well-paid jobs, good prospects
SECONDARY: poor pay, insecurity, no ladder of promotion, gig economy, zero hour contracts

working class more likely secondary sector

inequality caused by DUAL LABOUR MARKET

younger most likely to be in secondary market. Ritzer: youth in McJobs

Question 3

Parkin

Answer 3

EXCLUSION STRATEGY: groups anxious to protect privileges from new recruits so certain criteria used to restrict. E.g. elite private schools (Eton costs 37,000 a year, reccommendation, interview and test)
King and Smith Jack Wills culture maintains elite social groupings. Youth can’t vote, lower minimum wage, less secure jobs

USURPATION STRATEGY: less privileged groups try grab others’ privilege e.g. trade unions, strikes. Campaign to force back retirement age. Anti-school subcultures

Question 4

Hutton age

Answer 4

1. DISADVANTAGED: Bottom 30% of unemployed, economically inactive,, part-timers, insecure employment.
2. MARGINALISED: middle 30% structurally insecure employment , part timers on contracts, zero hour contracts
3. PRIVILEGED: 40% tenured jobs, security, trade union agreements like teachers, doctors, lecturers

youth and very old in disadvantaged and marginalised.