← Sociology syllabus

EnglandSociology

Social stratification

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What is social stratification and how is society divided?

Defining social stratification, the main systems of stratification, the concept of social class, and the difference between achieved and ascribed status.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Sociology stratification topic, covering the definition of social stratification, systems such as class and caste, social class, and achieved versus ascribed status.
8 min answer →

How does a person's position affect their life chances, and why does poverty exist?

Life chances and poverty, including the definition of life chances, absolute and relative poverty, explanations of poverty, and Townsend's relative deprivation.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Sociology stratification topic, covering life chances, absolute and relative poverty, Townsend's relative deprivation, and explanations of why poverty exists.
9 min answer →

How is power distributed, and how do gender and ethnicity shape inequality?

Power and inequality, including power in everyday life and the state, social mobility, and inequalities of gender, ethnicity, age and disability.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Sociology stratification topic, covering power in everyday life and the state, social mobility, and inequalities of gender, ethnicity, age and disability.
9 min answer →

How do sociologists explain why society is unequal?

Theories of stratification, including the functionalist view of Davis and Moore, the Marxist view of class conflict, and Weber's view of class, status and power.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Sociology stratification topic, covering the functionalist theory of Davis and Moore, the Marxist theory of class conflict, and Weber's view of class, status and party.
10 min answer →