Sociology

• What is social stratification?

  How society is structured in a hierarchy
• What are the two definitions of poverty?

  • Absolute poverty: unable to afford basic needs
  • Relative poverty: unable to meet societal living standards
• Why do politicians prefer the absolute definition of poverty?

  It shows fewer people are in poverty
• What is relative poverty?

  Inability to afford the general standard of living
• What is formal power?

  Power from a title or role
• What is informal power?

  Power from respect and appreciation earned
• What are the three forms of power/authority?

  • Traditional: inherited power (e.g., monarchy)
  • Charismatic: power from persuasive qualities
  • Rational legal: power through laws and regulations
• Who has power according to the Marxist view?

  The ruling class has power over the working class
• According to feminists, who has power in society?

  Men have power over women in various sectors
• What did Davis and Moore argue about society?

  Society needs to place people into roles
• What is Marx's view on class division?

  The bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat for profit
• What did Devine find in her study of a car factory?

  Evidence of the working class maintaining values
• What did Townsend conclude about poverty measurement?

  Poverty should be measured using multiple factors
• What does Murray argue about the underclass?

  It is caused by overgenerous welfare benefits
• What is Weber's view on class and power?

  Class is tied to income, status, and power
• How many types of power did Weber distinguish?

  Three types of power
• What are the six ways men have more power in society according to Walby?

  1. Paid work/employment
  2. Labour in the home
  3. Patriarchal culture
  4. Sexuality
  5. Male violence
  6. The state
• What are some reasons for poverty?

  • Poor health
  • Divorce
  • Old age
  • Disability
  • Unemployment
  • Lack of education
• What is the culture of poverty?

  Socialized acceptance of poverty as normal
• What is cultural deprivation?

  Lack of norms and values to escape poverty
• What is welfare dependency?

  Reliance on welfare benefits without working
• What are the societal reasons for poverty?

  • Class inequality
  • Globalization
• Do functionalists believe poverty statistics are accurate?

  Yes, they believe statistics are accurate
• What do Marxists believe about poverty statistics?

  They underestimate poverty and its effects
• What do feminists argue about poverty statistics?

  They underestimate female poverty and issues
• What is the current state of poverty rates?

  Poverty rates are increasing for all age groups
• What do Marxists argue about minimum wages?

  They still cause poverty among the working class
• What do functionalists believe about government policies on poverty?

  They have aimed to reduce poverty effectively
• What are the arguments for and against the existence of the underclass?

  For:

  • Murray's view on welfare dependency
  • Evidence of lone-parent families

  
  

  Against:

  • Blaming victims for societal issues
  • Many on benefits aspire for employment
• What is the political system in the UK?

  Democracy with a first past the post system
• Can the public influence the state?

  Yes, through pressure groups and protests
• What are key terms related to social stratification?

  • Absolute poverty
  • Achieved status
  • Ascribed status
  • Bourgeoisie
  • Culture of dependency
  • Glass ceiling
  • Life chances
  • Power
  • Pressure group
  • Relative poverty
  • Social exclusion
  • Social inequality
  • Social mobility
  • Social stratification
  • Status
  • Underclass
  • Wealth
  • Welfare dependency
• What factors affect life chances?

  • Life expectancy
  • Income
  • Wealth
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Housing
  • Health
• How does class affect life chances?

  • Working class: poorer education and income
  • Middle class: better opportunities and education
  • Upper class: elite education and status
• How does gender affect life chances?

  • Women: lower pay, less representation
  • Men: higher pay, more opportunities
• How does ethnicity affect life chances?

  • BAME groups: higher unemployment, lower representation
  • Some BAME groups: better educational outcomes
• How does age affect life chances?

  • Youth: lower income, higher unemployment
  • Older age: more risk of poverty, ageism
• What are the views of functionalists, Marxists, and feminists on social stratification?

  • Functionalists: positive, based on meritocracy
  • Marxists: negative, based on conflict and inequality
  • Feminists: negative, based on patriarchy and gender inequality
• How is class measured?

  By occupation using NS-SEC
• Do functionalists believe class affects life chances?

  No, they believe society is meritocratic