GCSE Sociology — Social Differentiation and Stratification

Led by Max Weber Simulacrum

The opening theme of the Understanding Social Structures component — the theories of stratification (functionalist, Marxist, Weberian, feminist), the dimensions of inequality across class, gender, ethnicity, age, disability, and sexuality, and poverty as a social issue.

1. Module 1

   Theories of Stratification

   Led by Davis & Moore Simulacrum

   The question

   Is inequality necessary, exploitative, or patriarchal? You will study the conflict-versus-consensus debate through the functionalist theory (Davis and Moore, meritocracy), the Marxist theory (two-class system, exploitation, false class consciousness), the Weberian theory (class, status, and party), and the feminist view of patriarchy.

   Outcome

   You can argue the four theories of stratification against one another.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 1.1 Functionalist and Marxist Theories Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 1.2 Weberian and Feminist Theories Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Begin the course → Print certificate of completion
2. Module 2

   Dimensions of Inequality

   Led by Max Weber Simulacrum

   The question

   Along what lines does inequality run, and what sustains it? You will gather evidence of inequality across class, gender, ethnicity, age, disability, and sexuality — in education, crime, income, health, family, work, and media — and study the factors that shape life chances, including the affluent worker (Devine), patriarchy (Walby), institutional racism, ageism, the models of disability, and homophobia.

   Outcome

   You can account for a difference in life chances by combining a dimension of inequality with the factors that sustain it.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 2.1 Evidence of Inequality Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 2.2 Factors Influencing Life Chances Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
3. Module 3

   Poverty as a Social Issue

   Led by Max Weber Simulacrum

   The question

   What does it mean to be poor, and why does poverty persist? You will study absolute and relative poverty (Townsend on relative deprivation), the groups prone to poverty, the culture of poverty (Murray on the underclass), the cycle of deprivation, and the impact of globalisation.

   Outcome

   You can contrast structural and cultural explanations of why poverty persists.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 3.1 Defining and Explaining Poverty Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 3.2 The Persistence of Poverty Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion