Social Class

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyze social class as a fundamental form of social stratification, moving beyond basic definitions to evaluate its persistence and transformation in contemporary society. Study requires a rigorous examination of measurement metrics (from Registrar General to NS-SEC), the distribution of life chances (health, education, housing), and the mechanics of social mobility. Responses must integrate classical theoretical perspectives (Marxist, Weberian, Functionalist) with contemporary debates regarding the 'Death of Class' and the emergence of new stratifications like the Precariat. Mastery involves assessing the interplay between economic capital, cultural assets, and social networks.

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

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit explicit use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'cultural capital', 'proletariat', 'meritocracy') over lay terms.
    • Award marks for accurate application of Davis and Moore's role allocation theory versus Marxist conflict theory.
    • Responses must link social class directly to differential life chances, citing specific areas like morbidity rates or educational attainment.
    • High-level responses must evaluate the validity of the 'embourgeoisement' thesis or the existence of a distinct 'underclass'.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit explicit use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'cultural capital', 'proletariat', 'meritocracy') over lay terms.
    • Award marks for accurate application of Davis and Moore's role allocation theory versus Marxist conflict theory.
    • Responses must link social class directly to differential life chances, citing specific areas like morbidity rates or educational attainment.
    • High-level responses must evaluate the validity of the 'embourgeoisement' thesis or the existence of a distinct 'underclass'.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 24-mark essays, ensure a sustained line of reasoning; do not just list theories, evaluate their contemporary relevance.
    • 💡When using sources, explicitly quote data trends to support sociological arguments (AO2).
    • 💡Differentiate clearly between wealth (stock) and income (flow) when defining class boundaries.
    • 💡Use 'However' chains to develop AO3 evaluation marks, contrasting structural views with action theories.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'inequality' (unequal distribution) with 'difference' (diversity).
    • Relying on anecdotal evidence or personal opinion rather than sociological studies (e.g., Goldthorpe, Townsend).
    • Failing to distinguish between absolute poverty and relative poverty when discussing class deprivation.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent

    Ready to test yourself?

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