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Question 1

Polhemus

Answer 1

Focuses on the place of consumption and style in the contemporary UK which is leading to a decline in importance of social class. Due to globalisation we can pick and choose our identities from a range of influences and choices based on music, fashion, sport, shopping etc. Consumer culture makes it possible for individuals to ‘pick and mix’ at the ‘Supermarket of Style’.

Question 2

Pakulski and waters

Answer 2

‘The Death of Class’ – Political, social and economic importance of social class is in decline. They discuss ‘status conventionalism’ – Inequalities that remain are due to status – Lifestyle and consumption patterns not class. They critique Marxists for taking an outdated view of capitalism

Question 3

Beck

Answer 3

Beck-Risk society - where risks are posed to EVERYONE despite their class. Also we live in a society where people are concerns with personal interests and no longer feel membership or importance of this, to social class groups. Fragmentation illustrates lack of importance of class.

Question 4

Furlong and cartmel

Answer 4

Trains and Cars’ metaphor - Society used to be like trains - School lead working class in one direction (vocationalism) /manual labour and middle class in another (academia)/professions - Now postmodern society is more like a car - Young people face more choices about the direction they head in society.- class doesn’t determine destination