Sociology Unit 3

What is social stratification?

A system where society is divided into layers based on wealth, power, and status.

What is an open society?

A society where social mobility is possible.

What is a closed society?

A society with no social mobility (e.g. caste system).

What is achieved status?

A status earned through effort (e.g. job).

What is ascribed status?

A status given at birth (e.g. gender, ethnicity).

What is social mobility?

Movement between social classes.

What is meritocracy?

A system where success is based on ability and effort.

What is poverty?

Lack of resources to meet basic needs.

What is power?

The ability to control others.

What are life chances?

Opportunities individuals have in life.

Name 4 factors affecting life chances.

Social class, gender, ethnicity, age.

Give 3 areas affected by life chances.

Education, health, employment (also housing, life expectancy).

What is intersectionality?

The idea that multiple inequalities overlap (e.g. class + gender + ethnicity).

What does labelling theory suggest?

Labels influence identity and behaviour.

What is a stereotype?

A generalised belief about a group.

What is master status?

The most important label defining a person.

What is a self-fulfilling prophecy?

When a label causes someone to act in a way that confirms it.

Strength of labelling theory?

Explains individual behaviour.

Weakness of labelling theory?

Ignores wider social structures.

What are the two classes in Marxism?

Bourgeoisie (ruling class) and proletariat (working class).

What is exploitation?

Workers are paid less than the value they produce.

What is ideological control?

Ideas that justify inequality are spread (e.g. via media).

What is the poverty trap?

Difficulty escaping poverty.

What is the reserve army of labour?

Unemployed workers used to keep wages low.

Strength of Marxism?

Explains inequality and power well.

Weakness of Marxism?

Ignores individual choice and merit.

What is progressive taxation?

Higher earners pay a higher percentage of tax.

What is redistribution of wealth?

Government transfers wealth to poorer groups.

What is a minimum wage?

The lowest legal pay.

What are equal opportunities laws?

Laws preventing discrimination.

What is the welfare state?

Government support system for citizens.

Give 3 examples of welfare support.

Free healthcare, education, benefits (also pensions, housing).

Advantage of welfare state?

Reduces poverty and improves life chances.

Disadvantage of welfare state?

May create dependency.

What are NGOs?

Organisations that work independently to reduce inequality.

Give 2 roles of NGOs.

Reduce poverty, provide healthcare, improve education.

Weakness of NGOs?

Limited power and possible dependency.

New Right view on welfare?

Creates dependency culture.

Marxist view on welfare?

Maintains capitalism.

Feminist criticism?

Does not fully address gender inequality.

What is immigration?

Moving into a country.

What is emigration?

Leaving a country.

What are push factors?

Reasons to leave (e.g. war, poverty).

What are pull factors?

Reasons to move (e.g. jobs, safety).

What are transnational companies (TNCs)?

Large companies operating in multiple countries.

Give 2 global issues increasing inequality.

Climate change, pollution (also urbanisation).

Marxist explanation of global inequality?

Rich countries exploit poorer ones.

What is colonialism?

Past exploitation of countries that still affects inequality.

Feminist explanation?

Global inequality is shaped by patriarchy.

What does AO1 assess?

Knowledge and understanding.

What does AO2 assess?

Application of knowledge.

What does AO3 assess?

Analysis and evaluation.

What are the key debates in this unit?

Meritocracy vs inequality; Welfare: help or harm; Structure vs individual choice; Globalisation: positive or negative.