The Impact of Social Class, Gender, and Ethnicity

    OCR
    GCSE

    This study area requires a rigorous analysis of social stratification and differentiation within contemporary society. Candidates must evaluate the extent to which social class, gender, and ethnicity determine life chances, including health, education, and social mobility. The scope necessitates an understanding of structural theories (Marxism, Functionalism) versus social action perspectives, and the increasing relevance of intersectionality. Assessment focuses on the mechanisms of inequality—institutional, cultural, and material—and the validity of meritocratic claims in the UK context.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • The Equality Act 2010 and its role in addressing workplace discrimination.
    • Weber's concept of 'life chances' regarding market situation and status.
    • The distinction between absolute poverty (Rowntree) and relative poverty (Townsend).
    • Walby's 'Six Structures of Patriarchy' regarding gender inequality.
    • Macpherson Report (1999) definition of institutional racism.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for explicit use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'glass ceiling', 'institutional racism', 'cultural capital') rather than lay descriptions.
    • Credit responses that integrate specific studies (e.g., Davis and Moore on role allocation, Townsend on poverty) to substantiate theoretical claims.
    • Candidates must link structural factors (e.g., labour market segregation) to specific life outcomes in health, education, or crime.
    • High-level responses must evaluate the validity of theoretical perspectives, contrasting structural explanations with New Right or meritocratic arguments.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 24-mark essays, ensure a sustained line of reasoning that explicitly addresses the 'To what extent' or 'Discuss' command.
    • 💡Use the 'PEEL' structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) to ensure every paragraph directly answers the question.
    • 💡When using source data, explicitly quote the figures or trends to support a sociological argument; do not just describe the table.
    • 💡Allocate approximately 1 minute per mark; reserve at least 25 minutes for the final 24-mark essay.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Relying on anecdotal evidence or 'common sense' assumptions rather than sociological studies or data.
    • Confusing 'sex' (biological) with 'gender' (social construct) when discussing inequality.
    • Failing to distinguish between 'income' (flow of money) and 'wealth' (stock of assets) in class analysis.
    • Presenting a narrative description of inequality without applying a theoretical framework (e.g., Marxism or Feminism).

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent
    Identify

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