Class Inequality and Social Mobility

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Identify and summarise key information on selected topics.
• Assess empirical evidence supporting/questioning certain theoretical positions.
• Identify and compare different theoretical models of the way in which inequality is maintained and reproduced.
• Reflect on your own social background and ‘life chances’ in a theoretically informed manner.
• Evaluate current debates over the relative significance of class in relation to other forms of social division.
• Assess the ways in which material, social and cultural inequality in contemporary Britain affects selected aspects of social life.
• Critically assess theoretical accounts of inequality with reference to appropriate empirical evidence.
• Critically discuss current affairs by relating the theories and empirical evidence covered in the module to contemporary events.

The module considers such questions as: how does inequality affect our prospects for success and advancement, how does it affect our health and lifestyle, and how far do we to pass on advantage (or disadvantage) to our children? The module explores various theoretical models of how inequality is maintained and reproduced, comparing classical theories which see inequality as the result of class conflict or group struggles with current arguments that class is of declining significance in the light of other social divisions along lines of gender, ethnicity, lifestyle and so on. We explore these questions both in UK and international contexts.

Teaching and learning methods

Two lectures per week, five seminars

Assessment strategy

Seminar attendance is encouraged by awarding 1% per seminar attended. Seminars are designed to contribute to all of the learning outcomes, but place an emphasis on discussion skills (LO7) and self reflection (LO8). The essay plan and essay both contribute to the assessment of learning outcomes 1-6. The current affairs commentary assesses learning outcome 9, critically reflecting on news media items by relating them to theories and empirical data about class inequality. This will also test learning outcomes 1-6.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External