Social stratification Flashcards

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1
Q

What is power?

A

The ability of individuals and/or social groups to influence decisions about themselves and other people. It is excercised through the use of sanctions by those in positions of power.

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2
Q

What is an informal source of power?

A

Families, schools and workplaces.

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3
Q

What is the feminist view of power?

A

In the past women had considerably less power in the family. In Victorian times, women had little say and men were the heads of household. Feminism has challenged this and women have much more equality now.

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4
Q

What are the strengths of the feminist view on power?

A

Feminists explain how men are able to be dominant in society.

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5
Q

What are the weaknesses of the feminist view on power and authority?

A

Men have less power than women, in some aspects of familial life, including custody battle of children. Women’s push for positions of power and authority results in children in nurseries and daycare which the new right see as bad as adequate socialisation has not been provided in such cases.

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6
Q

What is the marxist view on power and authority?

A

Marxist would see workers as having too little power compared with bosses. Trade unions have tried to fight against this situation by joining workerstogether as a group to resisist the power of bosses. In recent years, the power of trade unions has been reduced through changes to laws, particularly those restricting the ability of workers to go on strike.

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7
Q

What is a strength of the conflict marxist view of power and authority?

A

It shows the great inequalities of power between social classes.

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8
Q

What are the weaknesses of the marxist view on power and authority?

A

Social class, may not be as important in the past. It ignores gender differences in power.

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9
Q

What are examples of formal sources of power?

A

Those held by the people in charge of our society. This includes local councils, MP’s and the queen. These formal sources of power have agencies of social control to deal with those who break rules or laws.

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10
Q

When is formal control needed?

A

When informal sources of power fail, society uses formal sources of power to keep social control.

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11
Q

What is authority?

A

Having the power and the right to make decisions.

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12
Q

How is authority linked to age?

A

In many situations, an older person is expected to be in charge and make decisions. However, in the UK, people at a certain age are expected to let go of their authority and give it to someone of a younger age.

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13
Q

How is authority linked to gender?

A

In Victorian Britain, men were expected to be the head of the family, rich or poor. Men were also MPs and very much in charge. Up until 2015, a woman would only become queen if she had no brothers.

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14
Q

What does Max Weber say about authority?

A

He argued that there were 3 main ways that people gain authority. By this he meant there were three reasons why most people accept authority.

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15
Q

What are the 3 types of authority Max Weber talks of?

A

Traditional authority, charismatic authority, rational-legal authority.

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16
Q

What is traditional authority?

A

Traditional authority is a person’s right to rule based on long-established customs. For example, the British royal family - a royal bloodline that can be traced back hundreds of years.

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17
Q

What is charismatic authority?

A

Where a person is followed and respected because of their personality. These leaders tend to gain high levels of popular support and have very loyal followers. For example, MLK, Gandhi, Jesus

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18
Q

What is rational-legal authority?

A

The right to make decisions based on logical and well-organised systems, for example geral elections in the UK.

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19
Q

Strength of Weber’s view on power and authority?

A

Can explain authority throughout human history from ancient Egyptians and Romans to today. Can explain and justify why people have the authority to use power.

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20
Q

Weakness of Weber’s view on power and authority?

A

Marxists would criticise Weber’s view as it does not consider the influence of wealth and the power of the rulingclass.

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21
Q

Who argues we live in a classless society?

A

John Major, a conservative PM in the 90’s, suggested that we lived in a classless society now. New Right sociologists, like Peter Saunders, would agree with you.

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22
Q

Study that argues we don’t live in a classless society? (G & L)

A

Goldthorpe and Lockwood carried out the affluent worker study in Luton car factories in 1961-62. They set out to prove whether social class was disappearing but found that the working class was changing but not disappearing.

23
Q

Study that argues we don’t live in a classless society? (F. D.)

A

Fiona Devine repeated Goldthorpe and Lockwood’s study in the 80’s. She found many traditional values still held by the working class such as trde unions support and improving their pay/work conditions. Devine argues that she still found a sense of working-class identity.

24
Q

Why do sociologists believe that we now live in a classless society?

A

Many traditional working-class jobs have disappeared in the UK. Such as ining, shipbuilding and steel-working.

25
Q

Strengths of the arguments that Britain is now a classless society?

A

Postmodernists sociologists argue that social class is disappearing. People no longer have a job for life. People get their identity from the products they buy and their social media identity that they create themselves. Trade union membership is falling in the UK. Being part of a trade union was part of a W/C identity.

26
Q

Weaknesses of the argument that Britain is now a classless society.

A

Positions of power in government are still dominated by those who are privately educated. 29% of the 2017 MPs elected went to private school. The government is very concerned about the disadvantages in education faced by poorer children.

27
Q

How is inequality of class shown through education?

A

There is a persistent achievement gap between students from different social classes in the UK. Middle and upper-class students often attend better-funded schools with more resources. Students from affluent backgrounds are more likely to attend prestigious universities. For instance, private school students make up a significant proportion of Oxbridge admissions. Inequality in education perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as lower educational attainment limits career opportunities and earning potential. Although, Government policies such as the Pupil Premium aim to reduce educational inequalities by providing additional funding to schools with disadvantaged students. However, the effectiveness of these policies is mixed. Despite the Pupil Premium, the attainment gap remains significant. Private schools, with their substantial resources and connections, continue to provide an advantage that public funding initiatives cannot fully counteract. The success of grammar schools and selective education in promoting social mobility is also debated, with critics arguing that they reinforce class divisions by providing advantages to those who can afford preparatory tutoring.

28
Q

How is inequality of class shown through crime?

A

Crime rates and types of crimes committed can vary by social class. Working-class individuals are more likely to be convicted of certain types of crimes. Statistics show higher rates of property crimes and drug offenses among working-class individuals, while white-collar crimes are more common among the middle and upper classes. These higher crime rates in working-class areas can lead to increased policing and incarceration, which further disadvantages these communities.ociological theories such as strain theory and social disorganization theory help explain the higher crime rates in working-class areas. Strain theory suggests that individuals in lower socio-economic classes experience more pressure to achieve societal goals through illegitimate means due to limited legitimate opportunities.rime prevention policies often focus on increased policing and incarceration, which may not address the root causes of crime such as poverty and lack of education. Programs aimed at rehabilitation and community support, while sometimes effective, are often underfunded and inconsistently applied.

29
Q

How is inequality of class shown through work?

A

Job security, working conditions, and employment opportunities vary by social class. Middle-class individuals are more likely to have stable, well-paying jobs.The Department for Work and Pensions reports that working-class individuals are more likely to be in low-paid, precarious employment. Insecure and low-paid jobs limit upward social mobility and maintain economic inequalities.Labor market policies, including minimum wage laws and employment rights, seek to protect workers from exploitation and provide a living wage. The rise of the gig economy and zero-hour contracts, however, has led to increased job insecurity for many working-class individuals.While minimum wage laws have improved income for the lowest-paid workers, they do not necessarily provide a living wage, particularly in high-cost areas. The gig economy, characterized by flexible but unstable work, offers opportunities but also perpetuates income instability and lack of benefits. Trade unions and workers’ rights legislation can help improve conditions, but their influence has waned in recent decades

30
Q

How is inequality of gender shown through education?

A

Gender disparities exist in educational attainment and subject choices in the UK. Girls tend to outperform boys academically, particularly at GCSE and A-levels. According to the Department for Education, girls achieve higher grades on average than boys in most subjects at GCSE level. However, boys are more likely to pursue STEM subjects at A-level and university. The higher academic performance of girls does not necessarily translate into equal career opportunities or earnings later in life. Subject choice at A-levels and higher education, influenced by gender norms, affects career paths and income potential. Despite their academic success, women are underrepresented in high-paying STEM careers, which contributes to the gender pay gap. he gender gap in education reveals both progress and persistent inequalities. The overachievement of girls in academics challenges traditional gender roles, yet societal expectations and stereotypes influence subject choices, steering girls away from lucrative fields. nitiatives to encourage girls into STEM, such as targeted scholarships and mentoring programs, are steps toward addressing these disparities. However, cultural shifts are also needed to dismantle stereotypes that deter girls from certain subjects

31
Q

How is inequality in gender shown through the family?

A

Gender roles within the family remain unequal, with women typically taking on more caregiving and domestic responsibilities.The Time Use Survey by the Office for National Statistics indicates that women spend significantly more time on unpaid household work and childcare than men.These gendered divisions of labor affect women’s employment opportunities and contribute to the gender pay gap. The unequal distribution of domestic work limits women’s availability for paid work and career advancement.omen often take part-time jobs or career breaks to manage family responsibilities, impacting their long-term earning potential and career progression. Traditional gender roles are reinforced by societal expectations and economic policies that do not fully support shared parenting responsibilities. While policies like shared parental leave exist, uptake by men remains low due to cultural stigmas and financial disincentives.

32
Q

How is inequality in sexuality shown through the media?

A

Representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the media has increased, but stereotypes and underrepresentation persist. Media portrayals can significantly influence societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals.Studies by GLAAD and Stonewall show that while LGBTQ+ visibility in media has improved, many portrayals still rely on stereotypes or are limited to certain genres and contexts. Positive and diverse media representation can help reduce stigma and promote acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. Conversely, negative portrayals or lack of representation can perpetuate discrimination and social exclusion. Television shows like “Pose” and “Sex Education” have been praised for their inclusive and nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters, contributing to greater acceptance and understanding. Media producers and content creators must prioritize inclusive storytelling and avoid tokenism. Regulatory bodies can encourage better representation through guidelines and incentives.

33
Q

How is inequality of sexuality shown through health?

A

LGBTQ+ individuals often face health disparities, including higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and barriers to accessing healthcare. Stonewall’s Health Report (2018) found that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts compared to the general population. The disparities in health outcomes among LGBTQ+ individuals are closely linked to discrimination and stigma, both within healthcare settings and society at large. These issues can prevent LGBTQ+ individuals from seeking timely and appropriate care, exacerbating health problems. Many LGBTQ+ individuals report negative experiences with healthcare providers, such as being refused treatment or facing invasive questioning about their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to a reluctance to seek further medical help. While some progress has been made, such as the establishment of LGBTQ+ friendly clinics and initiatives to train healthcare professionals on LGBTQ+ issues, significant gaps remain. Comprehensive healthcare policies that include mandatory training for all healthcare staff on LGBTQ+ issues and improved reporting mechanisms for discrimination are essential.

34
Q

What is absolute poverty?

A

The situation when a person does not have basic needs such as food, water, shelter, clothing and other essentials.

35
Q

What is relative poverty?

A

When a person’s living conditions are not as good as expected in society. For example, Wifi.

36
Q

Peter Townsend views on relatvive/absolute poverty.

A

Townsend created a deprivation index. Created a deprivation index and built upon Rowntree’s ideas in the 70’s. Included information about employment, ca ownership, and overcrowding.

37
Q

What is deprivation?

A

Being without the things that are expected in a society.

38
Q

Cycle of deprivation.

A

Children who grow up in poverty may become trapped in a cycle of deprivation. They are likely to lack the education needed to break out of poverty and may not learn the value of education. Their children grow up the same and so the cycle continues.

39
Q

Social inclusion

A

The efforts made to ensure that people are not excluded and fully able to participate in social life.

40
Q

Social inclusion in UK

A

It is seen as a priority by the UK governent. Promoting it successfully can lead to change in UK society such as loneliness and isolation of older people.

41
Q

Social exclusion

A

The idea that some groups or individuals are not able to fully partake in social life.

42
Q

Social exclusion in the form of unemployment

A

They do not have money to enjoy many of the things other people take for granted. Being unemployed is a position of low self-esteem and powerlessness. Evidence from the UK’s Faculty for Public Health shows that unemployed people are more likely to suffer from mental health issues and to commit suicide.

43
Q

How can ethnic minorities be socially excluded?

A

Ethnic minorities can suffer social exclusion when they are less familiar with the language and culture of the UK. This can make it difficult for them to find jobs and fit in with their neighbours and peers. Sociologists point to racism as a greater cause of their social exclusion. Moral panics about immigration and terrorism may also make it more difficult for ethnic minorities to feel apart of society causing them to feel marginalised.

44
Q

What are the attempts made with disabled people at social inclusion?

A

British law expects employers and services to make reasonable adjustments to allow disabled people to partake in society. These types of measures, such as building ramps, installing lifts and fitting switches at lower levels promote social inclusion. Prejudice and discrimination make it more difficult for disabled people to feel part of society, get jobs or make friends. The equality act of 2010 provided legislation to go against this.

45
Q

What is the culture of poverty?

A

The idea that people living in poverty develop a way of living that helps them survive. This was first identifies by Oscar Lewis. It includes managing on little money and building a lifestyle based on this. Crime may be a way of managing to survive. Cheap alcohol and drugs may provide sufficient entertainment to pass the time.

46
Q

Culture of poverty and Charles Murray

A

The idea was adopted by him. They have a set of values that dont help them escape from poverty. For example, they focus on short-term success - immediate gratification. He blames them for choosing to live this life and is critical of their dependence on welfar. He believes society has encouraged this group to be dependent by paying benefits to those that do not work.

47
Q

Why are the working class prone to poverty?

A

They generally perform less well in education and might find it hard to find secure, well-paid employment. This can leave to poverty. Instititue of Fiscal studies reported in 2015 that families on middle incomes were now living like poor people had lived in the past. Marxists would say low wages paid to the woking class indicates that the ruling class is exploiting the poor.

48
Q

Why are ethnic groups prone to poverty?

A

Racism may result in discrimination which makes it harder for ethnic minorities. to find quality work. A 2016 report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that ethnic groups

49
Q

The Joseph Rowntree foundation

A

Found in 2015 that less than half of the disabled population are working, yet many more would like to work.

50
Q

Example of the medical model.

A

A person with cerebal palsy on a wheel chair may be excluded. Unable to attend the local school as it does not have the correct adaptations for them. May be ignored also.

51
Q

Colin Barnes

A

He found repeated stereotypes of disabled people. They are often shown in a way to make peope feel sorry for them. They arev also sometimes shown as evil.

52
Q

How does disability affect life chances- status

A

The media, in particular created a sense of moral panic affecting disabled people. Following the financial crisis of 2008 onwards, the media featured many reports and articles focusing on benefit payments. .

53
Q

Hate crimes on disabled people

A

2508 recirded disability hate crimes in 2014-15.

54
Q

Disability pay gap

A

11% for disabled men and 22% for disabled women.