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

Answer: Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in society based on factors like wealth, occupation, and status. It is significant because it influences people's life chances, access to resources, and social mobility.

Question 2: Describe three characteristics commonly used to determine a person's social class.

Answer: Characteristics include income level, occupation type, and level of education. These factors help categorize individuals into different social classes.

Question 3: Explain the difference between 'upper class' and 'working class' in the UK context.

Answer: The upper class typically consists of wealthy, often hereditary elites with significant wealth and social influence, while the working class usually includes individuals employed in manual or service jobs with lower income levels and less social privilege.

Question 4: Identify two ways in which social class can impact a person’s life chances.

Answer: Social class can affect access to quality education and healthcare, as well as employment opportunities and social networks.

Question 5: Discuss how social mobility can be influenced by education and family background.

Answer: Education provides skills and qualifications that can enable individuals to move up the social ladder, while family background can influence access to resources, support, and social connections that facilitate mobility.

Question 6: Describe a scenario where someone from a lower social class might face barriers to social mobility.

Answer: A person from a low-income family may struggle to afford higher education or face discrimination in the job market, limiting their opportunities to improve their social status.

Question 7: Draw a simple diagram illustrating the concept of social stratification, showing different social classes arranged hierarchically. Label each layer accordingly.

Answer: A vertical hierarchy with three or four layers: at the top 'Upper Class', middle 'Middle Class', and at the bottom 'Working Class'. The diagram should clearly show the hierarchical structure.

Question 8: Sketch a diagram that represents the idea of social mobility within a society. Include arrows to show movement between different social classes.

Answer: A diagram with at least three horizontal layers representing social classes, with arrows pointing up and down between them to indicate upward and downward mobility.

Question 9: Evaluate the extent to which social class remains a determinant of life chances in modern UK society.

Answer: While social class continues to influence access to resources like education, healthcare, and employment, increasing opportunities for social mobility and social policies aimed at reducing inequality have lessened its deterministic effect. However, disparities still persist, suggesting social class remains a significant factor.

Question 10: Identify and explain two ways in which government policies can reduce social inequality related to class.

Answer: Policies such as progressive taxation can redistribute wealth, reducing income inequality. Education funding and social welfare programs can also provide greater opportunities for those from lower social classes to improve their socioeconomic status.