Social Stratification

What term is commonly used by sociologists to describe individuals who lack the resources that are available to most people in society?

What term is commonly used by sociologists to describe a male-dominated society?

Describe one example of social stratification.

Identify and describe one example of a social group who are more likely to experience poverty.

SOURCE TEXT: Item C The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) produced a report on university enrolment by personal characteristics from 2014/15 to 2018/19. This report found that the vast majority of students that attend university are from white backgrounds, although the number of students from minority ethnic backgrounds is increasing year on year. [Image of a bar chart showing university enrolment by ethnicity from 2014-15 to 2018-19] Source: HESA 2020 QUESTION: Identify and explain one factor which may account for the relatively low numbers of students from some minority ethnic backgrounds attending university, as referred to in Item C.

SOURCE TEXT: Item D Walby believed that the key to understanding patriarchy was to appreciate how ideas of femininity and masculinity have changed. It was her view that despite some changes over time, masculinity has always been valued more than femininity. This is not just in one area of life, but in a whole range of patriarchal structures: • the household • paid work • the state • sexuality • male violence towards women • cultural institutions. Walby believed these patriarchal structures restricted women and helped to maintain male dominance in society. Source: Walby, S, Theorizing Patriarchy, (1990) QUESTION: From Item D, identify and describe one patriarchal structure in society as identified by Walby, including what you know of her perspective of gender inequality.

Identify and explain one way in which social class at birth can influence an individual's future life chances.

Discuss how far sociologists would agree that Britain today is a meritocracy.

Discuss how far sociologists would agree that the welfare state has been successful in reducing poverty.