Sociological Theories on Social Inequality

Different Sociological Theories on Social Inequality

• Labeling Theory: Key sociologist is Howard Becker.
• Key Concepts:
  • Stereotypes: Media portrayal often labels working-class youth as troublemakers.
  • Master Status: A label like "criminal" can overshadow other aspects of identity.
  • Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: A label like "lazy" can cause a student to disengage and conform to that label.
• Modern UK Example: There are disproportionate school exclusions among Black students due to stereotyping.
• Statistics on School Exclusions (2018/19): Black Caribbean students' exclusion rates were up to six times higher than their white peers in some local authorities.

Marxism

• Key Sociologist: Karl Marx
• Key Concepts:
  • Exploitation of the Proletariat: Workers are underpaid by capitalist employers.
  • Ideological Control (e.g., education system): Justifies inequality through meritocracy myths.
  • Poverty Trap: Benefit policies can make it hard to escape low-income living.
  • Reserve Army of Labour: Zero-hour contracts are an example.
• Modern UK Example: Rising gig economy jobs with limited worker rights.

Understanding the Gig Economy

• Definition: A gig economy is a labor market dominated by short-term contracts or freelance work, instead of permanent jobs.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Flexibility: Workers choose tasks and set schedules.
  • Technology-Driven: Platforms connect workers with consumers (e.g., Uber, Deliveroo).
  • Lack of Traditional Benefits: Often no health insurance or paid leave.

Recent Developments

• Worker Rights: Discussions are happening about gig workers receiving benefits like minimum wage and holiday pay.
• Economic Impact: Gig workers contribute significantly to the UK economy (around £20 billion, similar to the aerospace industry)

What Attempts Have Been Made to Reduce Social Inequalities?

• Progressive Taxation: Higher-income earners pay more tax.
• Minimum Wage: The UK has a national minimum wage (increased to £10.42/hour in April 2023).
• Equal Opportunities Laws (e.g., Equality Act 2010): Protect against workplace discrimination.
• Criticism (Marxist): Some measures only soften capitalism without eliminating inequality.

Welfare States

• UK Examples: Free education, healthcare (NHS), and state pensions.
• Criticism (New Right): Welfare states can create dependency culture.
• UK NGOs: Campaigns against poverty and support for low-income families (e.g., Oxfam, Trussell Trust).
• Criticism (Marxist): NGOs address symptoms rather than systemic causes.

How Has Globalization Affected Inequalities Between Societies?

• Migration:
  • Push factors: War, conflict that forces people to leave.
  • Pull factors: Job opportunities, economic benefits leading people to move.
  • Modern Examples (UK): Brexit increased scrutiny of EU workers, migrants filling NHS staff shortages.
  • Negative Perceptions: Media portrays overcrowding or other negative effects of migration.
  • Functionalism: Migration increases cultural diversity.
• Conflict Theories: Competition for jobs and housing increased due to migration.

Explore various sociological perspectives on social inequality, focusing on Labeling Theory and Marxism. Understand how these theories explain the impact of stereotypes and ideologies on marginalized groups, using examples like school exclusions in the UK. This quiz dives into the works of key sociologists such as Howard Becker and Karl Marx.