Section A (Compulsory): Social Differentiation and Stratification

Social differentiation and stratification is a compulsory section in WJEC A-Level Sociology, forming the foundation for understanding how societies are structured by inequality. This topic explores the ways individuals and groups are ranked hierarchically based on factors like class, gender, ethnicity, age, and disability. You will examine key sociological theories—including functionalism, Marxism, feminism, and Weberianism—to explain why inequality exists and how it is maintained or challenged. The section also covers the intersectionality of multiple inequalities and the impact of globalisation on social stratification.

Understanding this topic is crucial because inequality shapes life chances, identities, and social mobility. You will analyse empirical data on income, wealth, education, and health to see how stratification affects real people. The topic also links to contemporary debates, such as the persistence of poverty, the glass ceiling, and the rise of the precariat. By the end, you should be able to evaluate different perspectives and apply concepts like social closure, cultural capital, and the underclass to modern Britain.

This section connects to other parts of the course, such as crime and deviance (where inequality is linked to offending) and education (where class and ethnicity affect attainment). It also provides a critical lens for understanding power and social change. Mastering this topic will help you write balanced, evidence-based essays that impress examiners.