Question 1: Define the term 'social stratification' and explain its significance in society.

Answer: Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in society based on factors such as wealth, occupation, education, and status. It is significant because it influences access to resources, opportunities, and power.

Question 2: Identify and describe three different social classes commonly recognized in the UK.

Answer: The three main social classes in the UK are the upper class (wealthy, often hereditary aristocrats), the middle class (professionals, managers, and skilled workers), and the working class (manual workers and those in lower-skilled jobs).

Question 3: Explain how socioeconomic status (SES) can impact a person's life chances.

Answer: Socioeconomic status affects access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and social networks. Individuals with higher SES often have greater resources and advantages, leading to better life chances.

Question 4: Describe one way in which social class can influence educational achievement.

Answer: Children from higher social classes often have access to better schools, tutoring, and educational resources, which can lead to higher academic achievement compared to children from lower social classes.

Question 5: Discuss a sociological theory that explains the persistence of social inequality across generations.

Answer: Marxist theory argues that social inequality persists because the ruling class maintains control over resources and means of production, passing economic advantage from one generation to the next, thus reproducing class differences.

Question 6: Imagine you are asked to create a visual representation of social class stratification. Sketch a simple pyramid with three levels representing the upper, middle, and lower classes. Label each level accordingly.

Answer: A pyramid divided into three sections: the top section labeled 'Upper Class,' the middle section labeled 'Middle Class,' and the bottom section labeled 'Lower Class.' The upper class should be the smallest, the middle larger, and the lower class the largest, reflecting population distribution.

Question 7: What are some possible consequences of social mobility within a stratified society?

Answer: Possible consequences include increased opportunities for individuals to improve their social standing, reduced social inequality, but also potential social tensions if mobility is limited or seen as unfair.

Question 8: Identify two factors that can facilitate upward social mobility and explain how they do so.

Answer: Education and marriage are two factors. Education can provide skills and qualifications needed for higher-paying jobs, while marriage can connect individuals to different social networks that offer better opportunities.

Question 9: Sketch a diagram illustrating the concept of social stratification as a layered structure, with the most privileged at the top and the least privileged at the bottom. Include at least four layers.

Answer: The diagram should resemble a layered cake or a tiered structure with four horizontal layers, each labeled from top to bottom as: 'Elite/Upper Class,' 'Upper Middle Class,' 'Working Class,' and 'Lower Class/Underclass.' The top layer is narrow, and the bottom layer is wider, indicating population distribution.

Question 10: Reflect on how social class differences might influence an individual's health and well-being. Provide two examples.

Answer: Individuals in higher social classes often have better access to healthcare and healthier living conditions, leading to better health outcomes. Conversely, lower social classes may experience higher stress levels and limited access to medical services, affecting their well-being.