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Cambridge IGCSE Sociology (0495) · Social stratification and inequality
Mini-Lesson

Social inequality

This mini-lesson covers Cambridge IGCSE 0495 'Social stratification and inequality': class and life chances, functionalist vs Marxist vs Weberian theories, poverty, power, and inequalities of gender, ethnicity and age.

Work through each screen, answer the questions as you go and collect ⭐ stars. Some questions are multiple-choice, some are sort-and-match games, and a few use simple research-methods maths (percentages and sample figures). Press Start when you're ready.

Basics

Stratification & inequality

  • Stratification — a hierarchy of layers; class is a major form.
  • Life chances (Weber) — chances of good health, housing, education.
  • The 0495 'Social inequality' topic also covers power and authority.
Quick check

Key term

?Chances of gaining good health, housing and education are called…
Theories

Functionalist vs Marxist

  • Davis & Moore: inequality is necessary & meritocratic.
  • Marxism: class conflict, exploitation, false consciousness.
Sort it

Sort the view

Tap a claim, then the theory.

⚖️ Functionalist

🏭 Marxist

🎩 Weberian

Quick check

Whose theory?

?Who argues unequal rewards motivate the talented to fill important roles?
Weber & power

Weber, power & authority

  • Weber: class, status, party (power).
  • Authority (legitimate power) — Weber's traditional, charismatic and rational-legal types.
Calculate

Your turn — percentage

✎In a survey of 200 people in the lowest income group, 62 agreed with a statement. What percentage agreed? Give a whole number.
%
Hint: percentage = (part ÷ whole) × 100 = (62 ÷ 200) × 100.
Poverty

Poverty & inequalities

  • Absolute vs relative poverty.
  • Gender pay gap; ethnicity; age.
Calculate

Your turn — percentage change

✎A wage index rose from 80 to 92 over ten years. Calculate the percentage increase. Give a whole number.
%
Hint: % change = (change ÷ start) × 100 = ((92 − 80) ÷ 80) × 100.
Match it

Match term to meaning

Tap a term, then its definition.

Statement
Answer
Calculate

Your turn — response rate

✎A researcher posts 450 questionnaires and 288 are completed and returned. Calculate the response rate as a percentage. Give a whole number.
%
Hint: response rate = (returned ÷ sent) × 100 = (288 ÷ 450) × 100.
Calculate

Your turn — percentage

✎In a survey of 400 respondents who agreed society is meritocratic, 300 agreed with a statement. What percentage agreed? Give a whole number.
%
Hint: percentage = (part ÷ whole) × 100 = (300 ÷ 400) × 100.
Quick check

Poverty

?Being unable to afford what most in your society take for granted is…
Calculate

Your turn — sample size

✎A sampling frame lists 700 people. The researcher takes a one-in-seven (1/7) sample. How many people are in the sample?
people
Hint: sample = 700 × 0.14285714285714285.
Quick check

Marxist concept

?Workers not realising they are exploited is called…
Recap

Social inequality — the big ideas

Stratification: hierarchy; class shapes life chances

Functionalism: Davis & Moore

Marxism: conflict, exploitation, false consciousness

Weber: class + status + party; authority types; poverty: absolute vs relative

You've covered Social inequality. Press Finish.

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