SOCI2017 Class Structure and Social Inequality

Module Aims

What are the effects of hierarchy and inequality on our daily lives? How are we to understand and explain inequality and what gives rise to it? To what extent is inequality inevitable? This module looks at how these questions have been answered in some of the key contemporary debates on class structure and social inequality. Looking at change and variation in the amount of economic and social inequality (using comparative and historical data) as well as shifts in academic and popular understandings of class and hierarchy, the course will examine the links between the theory and evidence on class structure and inequality in modern society.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Identify and compare different theoretical models of the way in which inequality is maintained and reproduced.
• Critically assess theoretical accounts of inequality with reference to appropriate empirical evidence.
• Assess the ways in which material, social and cultural inequality in contemporary Britain affects selected aspects of social life.
• Evaluate current debates over the relative significance of class in relation to other forms of social division.
• Identify and summarise key information on selected topics (through writing dictionary entries).
• Compare and critically discuss different theoretical approaches.
• Assess empirical evidence supporting/questioning certain theoretical positions.
• Contribute to group discussions.
• Reflect on your own social background and ‘life chances’ in a theoretically informed manner.