check your understanding.

Seite 1

1. Explain, using an example, what sociologists mean by 'social stratification'.

When using the term 'social stratification' sociologists are referring to how society is divided in terms of wealth, income, class and occupation. Marxist sociologists such as Max Weber who came up with the term life chances, has various views which differ depending on the class system. As life chances are the chances of achieving the valued things within a society, marxists would have negative views as they would prefer a classless, communistic society whereas functionalists would argue that those who deserve to be within the middle or upper class usually achieve their status. This is due to the belief that we live within a meritocracy.

What are life chances? - the chances that sections of society have of achieving 'things' which are valued by their society.

Cycle of deprivation. - if you're poor, you stay poor...

Smoking and class. The poor/working class have less opportunity to strive and succeed due to the cycle of deprivation which affects the children tremendously. The poor children is conditioned to live this specific poor lifestyle ultimately, more likely to smoke and continue in the trend.

revise: neo-liberalism.

If we have a good welfare system, then this will increase the poor peoples life chances. Welfare state is a good way to allow people to have equal access to education. Left wing sociologists would argue this.

Life chances are money, houses, living conditions etc.

2. Outline one way in which slavery may be an issue in modern Britain.

Slavery is when individuals can be bought, sold or owned and have no rights. This may be an issue in modern Britain due to the great amount of suffering individuals from outside countries immigrating to Britain. These individuals may be promised a life within Britain however as a 'slave'. This is continuing to occur.