Dimensions of Inequality: Social Class Theorists

Question 1

Giddens and Diamond in their book ‘The New Egalitarianism’ (2005)

Answer 1

Argue that social class is no longer an important source of inequality or identity in the 21st century. They suggest that the UK is a meritocratic society in that equality of opportunity is now the norm.

Question 2

Owen Jones in his book ‘Chavs’ (2011)

Answer 2

The last few decades have seen a growing demonisation of the working class as chavs. In reality Jones argues what has happened has been the systematic destruction of working-class communities, whilst vilifying as the cause of wider social problems in society.

Question 3

David Cameron (2011)

Answer 3

“Whatever you call it, we’ve known for years that a relatively small number of families are the source of a large proportion of the problems in society”.

Question 4

Savage (2000)

Answer 4

“In recent years, whatever people’s perceptions of their class might be, there is no doubting that class inequality has hardened. People’s destinies are as strongly affected and perhaps more strongly affected, by their class background than they were in the mid 20th century”.