Age

Question 1

Identify the 2 areas of life in which age inequality occurs.

Answer 1

1) Poverty

2) The workplace

Question 2

Give a piece of evidence for age inequality in poverty - 1a.

Answer 2

53% of child poverty in Tower Hamlets compared to 10% in Berkshire.
- End Child Poverty (2016)

Question 3

Identify a supporting sociologist for age inequality in poverty - 1a.

Hirsch (2006)

Answer 3

Hirsch (2006) argues that poverty causes material and social hardships for children which affects their educational attainment, leaving them at further risk of poverty.

Question 4

Give a piece of evidence for age inequality in poverty - 1b.

Answer 4

86% of materially deprived pensioners were unable to pay bills.
- DWP (2013)

Question 5

Identify a supporting sociologist for age inequality in poverty - 1b.

Phillipson (2010)

Answer 5

Phillipson (2010) argued that state pensions were inadequate and left the elderly dependent on additional benefits.

The elderly therefore experience age inequality as dependency on the state suggests lower status in society and limits their opportunities outside of this dependency.

Question 6

Give a piece of evidence for age inequality in the workplace - 2a.

Answer 6

18-21 year olds earn an average of £1,300 per month compared to £2,500 for 40-49 year olds.
- Instant Offices (2016)

Question 7

Identify a supporting sociologist for age inequality in the workplace - 2a.

Eisenstadt (1956)

Answer 7

Eisenstadt (1956) stated that children have less status than adults and that they should be socialised into their adult roles over time.

Young people therefore experience age inequality in the workplace due to receiving lower pay to support the transition into more responsible roles

Question 8

Give a piece of evidence for age inequality in the workplace - 2b.

Answer 8

1/5 of over 65 year olds say they have experienced ageism in the UK with 15% saying it occurred when applying for jobs.
- ComRes Report (2016)

Question 9

Identify a supporting sociologist for age inequality in the workplace - 2b.

Cummings and Henry (1961)

Answer 9

Cummings and Henry (1961) argue that with ageing, a person’s abilities are likely to deteriorate and so there is a need for them to ‘disengage’ ftom society to maintain stability with able workers.

Question 10

Give an explanation for evidence 2b of age inequality in the workplace

Answer 10

In a modern society with developing technology it leaves older generations deskilled in comparison to younger generations