Key Terms and Concepts in Social Stratification
This page introduces essential vocabulary and concepts related to social stratification and inequality, crucial for understanding GCSE Sociology social stratification.
The document begins by defining key terms that are fundamental to the study of social stratification. These definitions provide a solid foundation for students to grasp more complex ideas in the field.
Vocabulary: Absolute poverty is defined as the inability to afford basic necessities for survival, such as food and clothing.
Vocabulary: Achieved status refers to social positions earned through personal talent, merit, and effort, rather than being fixed at birth.
Vocabulary: Ascribed status, in contrast, describes social positions or status that are fixed at birth (often due to class) and do not change over time.
The page also introduces more advanced concepts, such as the culture of dependency and the glass ceiling, which are crucial for understanding modern social issues.
Definition: The culture of dependency theory suggests that the welfare system encourages people to remain on benefits rather than support themselves through work.
Definition: The glass ceiling is an invisible barrier in employment that prevents certain groups, such as women or ethnic minorities, from gaining promotions.
The document further explores concepts related to social mobility and stratification, providing students with a comprehensive vocabulary to discuss these topics.
Highlight: Social mobility, defined as the ability to move up the social ladder, is a key concept in understanding how individuals can change their social status over time.
Definition: Social stratification is described as how society is structured in a hierarchy of layers based on factors such as age, gender, and class.
This page serves as an excellent reference for students studying Social stratification GCSE Sociology AQA, providing them with the necessary terminology to engage with more complex discussions and exam questions on the topic.
