Class Structure and Social Inequality

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

The module will consider 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 course unit 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

Teaching and learning methods

Two weekly lectures and five seminars

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