Different Sociological Theories on Social Inequality PDF

Different Sociological Theories on Social Inequality Labelling Theory Key Sociologist: Howard Becker Key Concepts: Stereotypes: Media portrayal of working-class youth as "troublemakers." Master Status: A label (e.g., "criminal") overriding other aspects of identity. Self-F...

Different Sociological Theories on Social Inequality Labelling Theory Key Sociologist: Howard Becker Key Concepts: Stereotypes: Media portrayal of working-class youth as "troublemakers." Master Status: A label (e.g., "criminal") overriding other aspects of identity. Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: A student labelled "lazy" may disengage, conforming to the label. Modern UK Example: Disproportionate school exclusions among Black students due to stereotyping. Statistics on School Exclusions: Data indicates that exclusion rates for Black Caribbean students in English schools are up to six times higher than those of their white peers in some local authorities. Description: This chart illustrates the disparities in exclusion rates among different ethnic groups in UK schools, highlighting the overrepresentation of Black Caribbean students in exclusions. Marxism Key Sociologist: Karl Marx o Focuses on class inequality and capitalism's exploitative nature.  o Key Concepts: ▪ Exploitation of the Proletariat: Workers underpaid by capitalist employers. ▪ Ideological Control: Education system justifies inequality by meritocracy myths. ▪ Poverty Trap: Benefits policies making it hard to escape low- income living. ▪ Reserve Army of Labour: Zero-hour contracts in the UK. o Modern UK Example: Rising gig economy jobs with limited worker rights. Understanding the Gig Economy Definition: A gig economy is a labour market characterized by the prevalence of short- term contracts or freelance work, as opposed to permanent jobs. Key Characteristics: Flexibility: Workers choose tasks and set schedules. Technology-Driven: Platforms like Uber, Deliveroo connect workers with consumers. Lack of Traditional Benefits: Often no health insurance, paid leave. Modern UK Examples: Ride- Sharing: Uber drivers operating as independent contractors. Food Delivery: Deliveroo cyclists delivering meals on a per-delivery payment model. Description: This graph depicts the growth in the number of gig workers in the UK over recent years, indicating the expanding nature of this labour market. Recent Developments: Worker Rights: Discussions around providing gig workers with benefits like minimum wage and holiday pay. Economic Impact: Gig workers contribute £20bn to the UK economy, equivalent to the aerospace industry. 3.2 What Attempts Have Been Made to Reduce Social Inequalities? 3.2.1 Use of Legislation Examples: Progressive Taxation: Higher income earners pay more tax. Minimum Wage: UK National Minimum Wage (increased in April 2023 to £10.42/hour for over 23s). Equal Opportunities Laws: Equality Act 2010 protects against workplace discrimination. Criticism: Marxists: Argue such measures only soften capitalism without eradicating inequality. Description: This graph shows the trend of increasing minimum wage rates in the UK over recent years, reflecting legislative efforts to reduce income inequality. 3.2.2 Welfare States UK Examples: o Free Education: Primary to secondary school. o Healthcare: NHS provides universal healthcare. o Pensions: State pension system for retirees. Criticism: o New Right Perspective: Welfare states create a "dependency culture." 3.2.3 NGOs UK Examples: o Oxfam campaigns against global poverty. o Food banks like Trussell Trust support low-income families. Criticism: o Marxists: NGOs address symptoms, not systemic causes. 3.3 How Has Globalisation Affected Inequalities Between Societies? 3.3.1 Migration Push Factors: War in Syria leading to refugee migration. Pull Factors: Job opportunities in the UK for Eastern European workers. Modern Examples in the UK: Brexit: Increased scrutiny of immigration and challenges for EU workers. Economic Consequences: Migrants filling NHS staff shortages. Negative Perceptions: Media narratives about "overcrowding" due to migration. Relevant Theories: Functionalism: Migration increases cultural diversity.  Conflict Theories: Migration can exacerbate competition for jobs, housing. Description: This map illustrates the primary countries of origin for migrants to the UK, highlighting the diverse sources of immigration.