SOCIAL DIFFERENTIATION AND
STRATIFICATION REVISION GUIDE
This topic is on Paper 2. It is all about inequality and differences between
people.
There are lots of questions, which vary from 1, 2, 4, 5 and 9 marks. The
questions are short and have sources to help you. You may be able to link
other topics you have revised to answer the questions. You may also
repeat information and key words in different questions. You will not be
marked down for doing this
5.1 Sociological theories of stratification
Stratification is about the inequalities in society. Stratification sees society
like a trifle split into different layers. Most societies have had inequalities.
Inequality may mean income, wealth, health, lifestyle, opportunities,
education and anything that is to with life chances.
Conflict theories are Marxism and Feminism-
Consensus theory is Functionalism – This theory sees society as based
upon consensus or agreement.
Functionalist theory of stratification o Davis and Moore are
Functionalists . They believe that stratification (inequality) is needed by
society to help make sure that the best roles get allocated to the most
able. This is called role allocation. Unequal rewards help this to happen.
Inequality plays a positive function for society.
Functionalists believe that society is a meritocracy. The best rewards are
given to those who work hard and who have talent. Sociologists names to
know are Parsons and Davis and Moore.
The New Right believe that the UK is fairly close to being a
meritocracy. Peter Saunders is a New Right and he thinks that the
higher social classes are naturally born clever and that is why they
do well in life.
,Conflict view of Marxism
The Marxist theory of social stratification disagrees with this view. The UK is
not a meritocracy as society is unfair. There are two classes and the ruling
class have great advantages. The system is rigged in their favour to keep
them in power. Through private schooling and the Old Boys Network they
keep in power.
Society is a two class system . The working class (proletariat) and the ruling
class (bourgeoisie). The ruling class exploit the proletariat.
Marxists say that the working class do not realise how badly they are
exploited because of false class consciousness. The ruling class control the
media and trick the working class into believing that wages are fair, and the
system is fair.
Conflict view of Feminism
Feminists believe that society is male dominated. They call this
patriarchy. The conflict is between men and women. Women have had to
fight hard to make society more equal. However, women still have the
glass ceiling and do not get equal pay despite laws making discrimination
illegal, such as the Equal pay Act, 1970.
Weber’s theory of stratification
Max Weber believed that class was just one thing. Class is about your
occupation, but also your market position. How much are your skills
worth to others? Also, important are your status (how important you
are) and your power in society (based on the groups you belong to.
Questions
Describe what is meant by stratification (2 marks)
Describe what is meant by role allocation? (2 marks)
Explain the functionalist view of stratification (4 marks)
Explain why Marxists believe that society is unfair? (4 marks)
Discuss sociological views of inequality. (9 marks)
5.2 Different forms and sources of power and authority
, Power means being able to influence others to get what you want.
Informal sources of power are sanctions used by people to control others
. For instance, parents control teenagers thorough the use of sanctions,
such as grounding ,loss of devices or stopping pocket money.
Formal sources of power are sanctions used by the forces of social
control, such as the police and courts. Police and courts are the agencies
of social control.
Weber believed that there were three kinds of authority which gave
people power. Traditional authority is based on long established customs
e.g. Religion, our kings and queens.
Charismatic authority is based upon the personality of the leader . E.g.
Christ, Martin Luther King had this kind of authority.
Legal Rational authority is based upon clear and logical rules , such as an
election. E.g. prime minister.
Questions
Describe what is meant by power? (2 marks)
Explain Weber’s view of authority. (5 marks)
5.4 Factors which may influence access to life chances and power
SOCIAL
CLASS
This topic is linked very closely to
Social Class
Gender
Ethnicity
Age
Disabili
ty
They expect you to be aware of other differences that may affect a
person’s chances in life. Theses might include Sexuality, Nationality or
the Region you live in.
All of these link to Life chances.
STRATIFICATION REVISION GUIDE
This topic is on Paper 2. It is all about inequality and differences between
people.
There are lots of questions, which vary from 1, 2, 4, 5 and 9 marks. The
questions are short and have sources to help you. You may be able to link
other topics you have revised to answer the questions. You may also
repeat information and key words in different questions. You will not be
marked down for doing this
5.1 Sociological theories of stratification
Stratification is about the inequalities in society. Stratification sees society
like a trifle split into different layers. Most societies have had inequalities.
Inequality may mean income, wealth, health, lifestyle, opportunities,
education and anything that is to with life chances.
Conflict theories are Marxism and Feminism-
Consensus theory is Functionalism – This theory sees society as based
upon consensus or agreement.
Functionalist theory of stratification o Davis and Moore are
Functionalists . They believe that stratification (inequality) is needed by
society to help make sure that the best roles get allocated to the most
able. This is called role allocation. Unequal rewards help this to happen.
Inequality plays a positive function for society.
Functionalists believe that society is a meritocracy. The best rewards are
given to those who work hard and who have talent. Sociologists names to
know are Parsons and Davis and Moore.
The New Right believe that the UK is fairly close to being a
meritocracy. Peter Saunders is a New Right and he thinks that the
higher social classes are naturally born clever and that is why they
do well in life.
,Conflict view of Marxism
The Marxist theory of social stratification disagrees with this view. The UK is
not a meritocracy as society is unfair. There are two classes and the ruling
class have great advantages. The system is rigged in their favour to keep
them in power. Through private schooling and the Old Boys Network they
keep in power.
Society is a two class system . The working class (proletariat) and the ruling
class (bourgeoisie). The ruling class exploit the proletariat.
Marxists say that the working class do not realise how badly they are
exploited because of false class consciousness. The ruling class control the
media and trick the working class into believing that wages are fair, and the
system is fair.
Conflict view of Feminism
Feminists believe that society is male dominated. They call this
patriarchy. The conflict is between men and women. Women have had to
fight hard to make society more equal. However, women still have the
glass ceiling and do not get equal pay despite laws making discrimination
illegal, such as the Equal pay Act, 1970.
Weber’s theory of stratification
Max Weber believed that class was just one thing. Class is about your
occupation, but also your market position. How much are your skills
worth to others? Also, important are your status (how important you
are) and your power in society (based on the groups you belong to.
Questions
Describe what is meant by stratification (2 marks)
Describe what is meant by role allocation? (2 marks)
Explain the functionalist view of stratification (4 marks)
Explain why Marxists believe that society is unfair? (4 marks)
Discuss sociological views of inequality. (9 marks)
5.2 Different forms and sources of power and authority
, Power means being able to influence others to get what you want.
Informal sources of power are sanctions used by people to control others
. For instance, parents control teenagers thorough the use of sanctions,
such as grounding ,loss of devices or stopping pocket money.
Formal sources of power are sanctions used by the forces of social
control, such as the police and courts. Police and courts are the agencies
of social control.
Weber believed that there were three kinds of authority which gave
people power. Traditional authority is based on long established customs
e.g. Religion, our kings and queens.
Charismatic authority is based upon the personality of the leader . E.g.
Christ, Martin Luther King had this kind of authority.
Legal Rational authority is based upon clear and logical rules , such as an
election. E.g. prime minister.
Questions
Describe what is meant by power? (2 marks)
Explain Weber’s view of authority. (5 marks)
5.4 Factors which may influence access to life chances and power
SOCIAL
CLASS
This topic is linked very closely to
Social Class
Gender
Ethnicity
Age
Disabili
ty
They expect you to be aware of other differences that may affect a
person’s chances in life. Theses might include Sexuality, Nationality or
the Region you live in.
All of these link to Life chances.
