Class Inequality

Question 1

What is the main criticism of welfare policies according to Murray?

Answer 1

They do not encourage people (e.g. lone parent families) to go back to work and lack motivation to improve their social position.

This highlights a concern that welfare benefits can create dependency rather than empowerment.

Question 2

Criticisms of the New Right

Answer 2

Neglects the fact that social and economic inequality results in envy and hostility between top and bottom classes. NE ignores factors which impact a persons ability to achieve rewards and have social mobility.
This suggests that economic disparities can result in social tensions.

Question 3

How does the New Right view meritocracy?

Answer 3

As a system that rewards hard work and success e.g. doctors

The New Right emphasizes individualistic values and personal responsibility.

Question 4

What is the relationship between social inequality and motivation according to the New Right?

Answer 4

Social inequality functions to motivate individuals to strive for success.
This perspective suggests that inequality can serve a purpose in society by driving ambition.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: Meritocracy contradicts _______.

Answer 5

functionalism

This indicates a conflict between the belief in merit-based rewards and functionalist views on social structure.

Question 6

Who are the functionalist theorists associated with stratification and inequality performing a positive function?

Answer 6

Davis and Moore

They argue that stratification ensures that the most functionally important positions are filled by the most capable individuals who have the most talent and efficiency. Reinforced by institutions e.g. education who ensure individuals do occupations which best suit their abilities.

Question 7

Gramsci (Marxism)

Answer 7

The bourgeoisie maintain power and control through spreading ideas through social institutions e.g. education, the justice system

Question 8

What does Weberianism state about inequalities in society?

Answer 8

They are based on the struggle between different groups to secure resources e.g. wealth, status examples that can be unequally distributed.

This highlights the competitive nature of social stratification.

Question 9

Rex and Tomlinson (Weberianism)

Answer 9

Argue ethnic groups have low status due to racism and their background so are forced into a underclass.

This reflects how systemic racism can restrict social mobility.

Question 10

Barron and Norris (Weberianism)

Answer 10

2 types of sectors—> high status primary sector ( dominated by white men) and secondary low status sector (ethnic groups and women) where people with different status are separated

This classification reveals the disparities in employment opportunities.

Question 11

What criticism did Abbott (1990) have regarding the Goldthorpe study?

Answer 11

It completely ignores women and their experiences at work

This highlights a gap in social mobility research related to gender and its impact on social class

Question 12

What aspect of social class inequalities is emphasized by feminist theories?

Answer 12

The gendered nature of work and male privilege

Feminist perspectives often critique traditional class analyses for overlooking women’s experiences.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Social classifications are based around men’s _______.

Answer 13

occupations

This suggests that traditional class structures may overlook the complexities of women’s roles.

Question 14

What does Bourdieu argue about educational systems?

Answer 14

They reproduce class inequalities

This indicates that educational opportunities can reflect and entrench existing social hierarchies.

Question 15

What is the revolutionary perspective on capitalism mentioned by Marxists?

Answer 15

There was an expectation of a revolution that never took place

This reflects a critical view of the failure of historical movements to overthrow capitalist structures.

Question 16

Parsons

Answer 16

Consensus theory, argues society has agreed shared values on status and rewards

Question 17

Criticisms of Functionalist theories

Answer 17

Contradicts the idea that a meritocracy exists in society as many occupations are not highly rewarded but seen as functionally essential e.g. nurses

Question 18

Bourdieu (Marxism)

Answer 18

Class inequalities are reproduced by the education system.
Cultural capital provides the upper class more opportunities to succeed

Question 19

Marxists ideas on class inequalities

Answer 19

-Believe people are rewarded based on their social class (power and wealth)
-Proletariat exploited by Bourgeoisie
-B rely on P having a false consciousness (they are unaware of their true class interests and realities resulting in them supporting systems that don’t benefit them or fail to recognise their exploitation)

Question 20

Arber et al (Feminist)

Answer 20

Criticised the Surrey Occupational Class Scheme as it refer to the gendered nature of work and splits male based jobs into a hierarchal system

Question 21

Criticisms of Feminist theories

Answer 21

-Often overemphasises the extent of male privilege and power.
-Ignores the experiences of men
-Women’s occupations not necessarily a good reflection of position in class

Question 22

Social Class

Answer 22

Refers to the divisions in society based on economic and social status. People in the same social class typically share a similar level of wealth, education and achievement

Question 23

Social Stratification

Answer 23

Where a society ranks categories of people in levels where some groups have greater status e.g. class, gender, ethnicity
Way in which people are organised in a hierarchy in society
(Where inequalities come from)

Question 24

Davis-Moore thesis (SS)

Answer 24

Functionalists
Social stratification has beneficial consequences for the operation of society. Argue most different jobs in society are most necessary and require highest rewards and compensation to motivate individual to fill them.

Question 25

Marxists view on social stratification

Answer 25

Disagree that social stratification is functional for society. Argue social stratification benefits some at the expenses of others. The bourgeoisie give the proletariat just enough to survive, but ultimately the workers are exploited and social stratification is a result of this oppression of the working class.

Question 26

Systems of stratification: ascribed

Answer 26

Fixed at birth, inherited e.g. Royal family

Question 27

Systems of stratification: achieved

Answer 27

Earned on the basis of merit e.g. doctor

Question 28

System of stratification: open system

Answer 28

Allow social mobility e.g. British class system, working class to middle class etc

Question 29

Systems of stratification: close system

Answer 29

Owned an unable to change your status e.g. slavery

Question 30

Functionalist and New Right views on income inequality

Answer 30

Argue, unequal rewards are beneficial for society as ensure people with talent are encouraged to work hard and use their abilities