What does the social inequalities part of OCR Component 2 cover?

It covers the theories of stratification (functionalist, Marxist, Weberian, New Right and postmodernist) and the patterns and explanations of inequality by social class, gender, ethnicity and age. It is the second half of Component 2, examined through two compulsory extended essays in Section B that ask you to explain and evaluate a form of inequality, weighing perspectives and reaching a judgement.

How are the social inequalities essays examined?

Section B of Component 2 contains two compulsory extended essays, the highest-tariff questions in the paper (each worth up to 40 marks in the full exam, capped at 20 in our practice questions). They use command words such as Assess and Discuss, and are marked with a levels-of-response scheme weighted heavily towards AO3 analysis and evaluation. A two-sided argument with named theorists, evidence and a judgement is essential.

Which perspectives do I need for social inequalities?

The same theoretical toolkit runs through every inequality. Functionalism (Davis and Moore) sees inequality as necessary; Marxism (Marx, Castles and Kosack) sees it as exploitation; Weberianism (class, status, party; the dual labour market) gives a multi-dimensional view; the New Right (Murray, Saunders) sees it as a fair market outcome; feminism (Oakley, Walby) explains gender inequality; and intersectional theory (Crenshaw) argues class, gender, ethnicity and age interact.

Is social class still the most important inequality?

It is debated. Marxists argue class is fundamental and Bourdieu shows class advantage is reproduced through cultural capital, while Wilkinson and Pickett link inequality to worse social outcomes. Against this, feminists and anti-racists argue gender and ethnicity are as significant, postmodernists (Pakulski and Waters) argue class is declining, and intersectional theorists argue class cannot be separated from gender and ethnicity. The balanced view is that class remains powerful but interacts with other inequalities.

How should I revise social inequalities?

Learn the theories of stratification first, because they are the toolkit for every inequality. Then, for class, gender, ethnicity and age, build a grid of patterns (evidence), explanations (theorists) and the key debate. Practise the synoptic essays, always reaching a judgement, and remember the intersectional point that the inequalities interact. Rehearse with OCR past papers and mark schemes, and bring in research methods where relevant, since Component 2 is synoptic.

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OCR A-Level Sociology Component 2: understanding social inequalities, a complete overview

A complete overview of the social inequalities content in OCR A-Level Sociology Component 2. Explains the theories of stratification and the inequalities of class, gender, ethnicity and age, the key perspectives and the debates, and how the synoptic essays in Section B are examined.

Generated by Claude Opus 4.816 min readH580/02Updated 2026-06-02

Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed

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How the inequalities essays are examined
Theories of stratification
Social class inequality
Gender and ethnicity inequality
Age inequality
How the inequalities are examined

The social inequalities content forms the second half of OCR Component 2, Researching and understanding social inequalities. It is examined through two compulsory extended essays in Section B. This overview ties together the theories of stratification and the inequalities of class, gender, ethnicity and age, and explains how the essays are examined. Each section has a matching dot-point page.

How the inequalities essays are examined

Section B contains two compulsory extended essays, the highest-tariff questions in the paper (each worth up to 40 marks in the full exam, capped at 20 in our practice questions). They use Assess and Discuss command words and are marked with a levels-of-response scheme weighted heavily towards AO3. A two-sided argument with named theorists, evidence and a judgement is essential, and because the paper is synoptic, research methods can be drawn in.

Theories of stratification

The same theoretical toolkit runs through every inequality. Functionalists (Davis and Moore) see stratification as necessary role allocation; Marxists (Marx) see it as exploitation; Weberians see it as multi-dimensional (class, status, party); the New Right (Murray, Saunders) see it as a fair market outcome; and postmodernists (Pakulski and Waters) argue class is declining.

Class shapes income, wealth and life chances (health, education, housing), with Wilkinson and Pickett linking inequality to worse outcomes. Key concepts include embourgeoisement, proletarianisation, Murray's underclass and Standing's precariat, and Bourdieu's cultural capital explains how class advantage is reproduced. The debate is whether class is the most significant inequality.

Gender and ethnicity inequality

Gender inequality appears in the pay gap, the glass ceiling and segregation, explained by the feminisms (liberal Oakley, radical Walby, Marxist and difference). Ethnic inequality appears in employment and the criminal justice system, with institutional racism (Macpherson) a key concept and explanations from functionalism (Patterson), Marxism (Castles and Kosack), Weberianism and intersectionality (Crenshaw).

Age inequality

Both the young (low pay, insecure work, housing) and the old (ageism, pensioner poverty, lost status) face inequality. Perspectives include functionalist disengagement theory, the Marxist and Weberian views of the old as a devalued reserve army, and the interactionist focus on stereotypes (Victor). The life-course point and intersectionality complicate the picture.

How the inequalities are examined

Extended Assess and Discuss essays (AO3-heavy). Explain a form of inequality, weigh the perspectives, and judge.
Intersectionality. The strongest answers note that class, gender, ethnicity and age interact rather than acting alone.

Sources & how we know this

OCR AS and A Level Sociology (H180, H580) specification — OCR (2015)