Theories of class inequality

Question 1

Define stratification

Answer 1

A system of dividing people up into different groups. Usually these can include categories of: gender, ethnicity, wealth and class

Question 2

Define social mobility

Answer 2

The ability to move up and down a class structure in society

Question 3

Hutton

Answer 3

30-30-40 thesis
- Argues that social inequality, in the form of low wages, low skill and high unemployment = divided and economically unstable society

30% - unemployed, low paid, insecure work; 30% with some job security and quality of life; 40% - privileged workers in secure and regular employment

Question 4

Braveman

Answer 4

Deskilling of society – whereby more power is given to owners to hire and fire thus increasing their own wealth at expense of the working class

spend money and act as a consumer

Question 5

Davis and Moore

Answer 5

overlook the way power is used as a weapon by some groups to further their own material interests

offer a depressing view of human nature which suggests that people will only perform tasks for monetary or status rewards. They overlook other motives such as altruism or sense of service or joy in work

Question 6

Pakulski

Answer 6

Class is dead, it’s no longer relevant and too hard to measure

Inequality exists only when it affects you