AQA A-Level Sociology: Stratification and Differentiation
A* Essays:
1. Evaluate sociological explanations of stratification and
differentiation by social class, gender, ethnicity and age.
2. Evaluate sociological explanations of the dimensions of inequality:
class, status and power, and differences in life chances.
3. Evaluate the problems of defining and measuring social class.
4. Evaluate sociological explanations of changes in structures of
inequality, including globalisation and the transnational capitalist
class.
5. Evaluate the nature, extent and significance of patterns of social
mobility.
Evaluate sociological explanations of stratification and differentiation by
social class, gender, ethnicity and age.
Stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in
society, while differentiation focuses on the distinctions between groups.
Sociologists argue that class, gender, ethnicity and age all contribute to
structural inequalities that shape people’s life chances. While
functionalist, Marxist, Weberian and postmodern perspectives all offer
explanations for social stratification, the significance and causes of these
divisions remain contested.
Functionalists argue that stratification is necessary and inevitable for the
smooth functioning of society. Davis and Moore claim that stratification
ensures that the most talented individuals fill the most functionally
important roles. This view assumes a meritocratic system where rewards
reflect effort and ability. However, critics argue this approach justifies
inequality and ignores structural barriers like discrimination and inherited
privilege. Tumin criticises Davis and Moore for assuming that society
rewards talent fairly without accounting for the ways class, gender or
ethnicity limit opportunity.
Marxists see stratification as rooted in capitalist class divisions. Marx
argued that society is divided between the bourgeoisie, who own the
means of production, and the proletariat, who must sell their labour. This
class conflict results in exploitation and alienation. Neo-Marxists like
Wright add nuance by recognising the middle class as contradictory class
locations. However, critics argue that Marxist theory overlooks other
, dimensions of stratification such as gender or ethnicity and fails to
account for increased social mobility.
Feminist theories focus on gender as a key basis for stratification. Radical
feminists argue that patriarchy systematically oppresses women through
male dominance in all spheres of life. Liberal feminists point to progress
through legal reforms but acknowledge persistent inequalities in pay,
domestic labour and political representation. Intersectional feminism, as
advanced by Crenshaw, emphasises the importance of understanding how
class, gender and ethnicity interlock, recognising that women of colour
may experience different forms of discrimination than white women.
Ethnicity is another key axis of differentiation. Weberian sociologists argue
that ethnic minorities experience both class and status inequalities. Rex
and Tomlinson highlight how racialised underclasses emerge due to
institutional racism, affecting housing, education and employment.
Similarly, age can affect status, with both the elderly and youth
experiencing marginalisation. For instance, ageism in the workplace and
media portrayals of youth as deviant reflect how age can structure
inequality.
In conclusion, sociological explanations of stratification and differentiation
reveal that inequality is shaped by complex and intersecting social
factors. While traditional theories focus on class or function, contemporary
perspectives show how gender, ethnicity and age all play key roles. No
single explanation is sufficient, but together they provide insight into how
inequality is maintained and experienced across society.
Evaluate sociological explanations of the dimensions of inequality: class,
status and power, and differences in life chances.
Sociologists use the dimensions of class, status and power to analyse
inequality. These dimensions affect life chances, including access to
education, employment, health and housing. Different theoretical
approaches offer explanations for how these forms of inequality emerge
and persist, each highlighting different mechanisms of social advantage
and disadvantage.
Class refers to economic position and is often measured through
occupation, income and wealth. Marxists argue that class inequality arises
from the capitalist mode of production, with the bourgeoisie exploiting the
proletariat. This economic base shapes all other aspects of life and limits
the life chances of the working class. However, critics argue that Marx’s
A* Essays:
1. Evaluate sociological explanations of stratification and
differentiation by social class, gender, ethnicity and age.
2. Evaluate sociological explanations of the dimensions of inequality:
class, status and power, and differences in life chances.
3. Evaluate the problems of defining and measuring social class.
4. Evaluate sociological explanations of changes in structures of
inequality, including globalisation and the transnational capitalist
class.
5. Evaluate the nature, extent and significance of patterns of social
mobility.
Evaluate sociological explanations of stratification and differentiation by
social class, gender, ethnicity and age.
Stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in
society, while differentiation focuses on the distinctions between groups.
Sociologists argue that class, gender, ethnicity and age all contribute to
structural inequalities that shape people’s life chances. While
functionalist, Marxist, Weberian and postmodern perspectives all offer
explanations for social stratification, the significance and causes of these
divisions remain contested.
Functionalists argue that stratification is necessary and inevitable for the
smooth functioning of society. Davis and Moore claim that stratification
ensures that the most talented individuals fill the most functionally
important roles. This view assumes a meritocratic system where rewards
reflect effort and ability. However, critics argue this approach justifies
inequality and ignores structural barriers like discrimination and inherited
privilege. Tumin criticises Davis and Moore for assuming that society
rewards talent fairly without accounting for the ways class, gender or
ethnicity limit opportunity.
Marxists see stratification as rooted in capitalist class divisions. Marx
argued that society is divided between the bourgeoisie, who own the
means of production, and the proletariat, who must sell their labour. This
class conflict results in exploitation and alienation. Neo-Marxists like
Wright add nuance by recognising the middle class as contradictory class
locations. However, critics argue that Marxist theory overlooks other
, dimensions of stratification such as gender or ethnicity and fails to
account for increased social mobility.
Feminist theories focus on gender as a key basis for stratification. Radical
feminists argue that patriarchy systematically oppresses women through
male dominance in all spheres of life. Liberal feminists point to progress
through legal reforms but acknowledge persistent inequalities in pay,
domestic labour and political representation. Intersectional feminism, as
advanced by Crenshaw, emphasises the importance of understanding how
class, gender and ethnicity interlock, recognising that women of colour
may experience different forms of discrimination than white women.
Ethnicity is another key axis of differentiation. Weberian sociologists argue
that ethnic minorities experience both class and status inequalities. Rex
and Tomlinson highlight how racialised underclasses emerge due to
institutional racism, affecting housing, education and employment.
Similarly, age can affect status, with both the elderly and youth
experiencing marginalisation. For instance, ageism in the workplace and
media portrayals of youth as deviant reflect how age can structure
inequality.
In conclusion, sociological explanations of stratification and differentiation
reveal that inequality is shaped by complex and intersecting social
factors. While traditional theories focus on class or function, contemporary
perspectives show how gender, ethnicity and age all play key roles. No
single explanation is sufficient, but together they provide insight into how
inequality is maintained and experienced across society.
Evaluate sociological explanations of the dimensions of inequality: class,
status and power, and differences in life chances.
Sociologists use the dimensions of class, status and power to analyse
inequality. These dimensions affect life chances, including access to
education, employment, health and housing. Different theoretical
approaches offer explanations for how these forms of inequality emerge
and persist, each highlighting different mechanisms of social advantage
and disadvantage.
Class refers to economic position and is often measured through
occupation, income and wealth. Marxists argue that class inequality arises
from the capitalist mode of production, with the bourgeoisie exploiting the
proletariat. This economic base shapes all other aspects of life and limits
the life chances of the working class. However, critics argue that Marx’s
