Social stratification

Question 1

What is power?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

What is an informal source of power?

Answer 2

Families, schools and workplaces.

Question 3

What is the feminist view of power?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

What are the strengths of the feminist view on power?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

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

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

What is the marxist view on power and authority?

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

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

Answer 7

It shows the great inequalities of power between social classes.

Question 8

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

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What are examples of formal sources of power?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

When is formal control needed?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

What is authority?

Answer 11

Having the power and the right to make decisions.

Question 12

How is authority linked to age?

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

How is authority linked to gender?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

What does Max Weber say about authority?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Traditional authority, charismatic authority, rational-legal authority.

Question 16

What is traditional authority?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

What is charismatic authority?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

What is rational-legal authority?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Strength of Weber’s view on power and authority?

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Weakness of Weber’s view on power and authority?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Who argues we live in a classless society?

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

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

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

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

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

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

Answer 24

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

Question 25

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

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

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

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

How is inequality of class shown through education?

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

How is inequality of class shown through crime?

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

How is inequality of class shown through work?

Answer 29

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

Question 30

How is inequality of gender shown through education?

Answer 30

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

Question 31

How is inequality in gender shown through the family?

Answer 31

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.

Question 32

How is inequality in sexuality shown through the media?

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

How is inequality of sexuality shown through health?

Answer 33

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.

Question 34

What is absolute poverty?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

What is relative poverty?

Answer 35

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

Question 36

Peter Townsend views on relatvive/absolute poverty.

Answer 36

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.

Question 37

What is deprivation?

Answer 37

Being without the things that are expected in a society.

Question 38

Cycle of deprivation.

Answer 38

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.

Question 39

Social inclusion

Answer 39

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

Question 40

Social inclusion in UK

Answer 40

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.

Question 41

Social exclusion

Answer 41

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

Question 42

Social exclusion in the form of unemployment

Answer 42

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.

Question 43

How can ethnic minorities be socially excluded?

Answer 43

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.

Question 44

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

Answer 44

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.

Question 45

What is the culture of poverty?

Answer 45

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.

Question 46

Culture of poverty and Charles Murray

Answer 46

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.

Question 47

Why are the working class prone to poverty?

Answer 47

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.

Question 48

Why are ethnic groups prone to poverty?

Answer 48

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

Question 49

The Joseph Rowntree foundation

Answer 49

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

Question 50

Example of the medical model.

Answer 50

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.

Question 51

Colin Barnes

Answer 51

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.

Question 52

How does disability affect life chances- status

Answer 52

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. .

Question 53

Hate crimes on disabled people

Answer 53

2508 recirded disability hate crimes in 2014-15.

Question 54

Disability pay gap

Answer 54

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