Class Inequality

Question 1

How is Class Operationalised?

Answer 1

Ones social class is operationalised through their occupation, and where they fall on the eight social classes. The working classes experience social inequality and stratification in many areas of social life, including the education system and criminal justice system.

Question 2

Reay

Answer 2

Disadvantaged white boys are 5x less likely to go to University than those from an affluent background.- Office for Fair Access
This is because, Reay explains, working classes cannot afford to move to their University, thus are forced to either choose local, less expensive and poor standard Universities, and this may put them off going, or are unable to go at all.

Question 3

Smith and Noble

Answer 3

Students with free school meals are less likely to achieve 5A*-C grade GCSEs (38%) compared to non-free school meal students (65%). Department for Education
Smith and Noble explain that these boys experience inequality as they have ‘Barriers to Learning’ as a result of their lack of money. Working classes are not able to afford school trips, tutoring, or equipment such as a computer or pens to aid their learning, therefore they are at a disadvantage to their white peers.

Question 4

Snider

Answer 4

2/3 of prisoners were in receipt of state benefits before entering prison. Home Office Fraud Agency
Shows the working classes are more likely to be prosecuted.
Snider supports this, affirming that the police pay more attention to crimes of the working classes. They are criminalised by the courts, who tend to ignore the crimes of the powerful- of which are more damaging to society, Snider adds.

Question 5

Lea and Young

Answer 5

Institute of Public Policy. People living in the most deprived neighbourhoods are more than twice as likely to be mugged than those in the most affluent neighbourhoods. They feel worried about being physically attacked.
Lea and Young suggest explain that in relatively deprived areas, people are more likely to experience crime, as a result of the feelings of resentment of those living there, thus, the working classes are more likely to be the victim of criminal acts simply because of where they live.