Sociological Explanations of Social Inequality and Difference – A Level Sociology OCR Revision

Definition of social inequality: This refers to disproportions in the distribution of wealth, influence, and power, or access to resources and opportunities between different social groups.
Structural functionalism perspective: Emile Durkheim suggests society, like a body, functions best when all parts perform their roles. Inequality is necessary, functional and beneficial to stabilize the society.
Conflict theory: From a Marxian perspective, social inequality is a result of conflict over resources and power. Capitalist societies exacerbate this due to the exploitation of the working class by the capitalist elite.
Symbolic interactionism: Inequality is reinforced through daily interactions and societal expectations. Stereotypes and stigma often play significant roles in maintaining, or exacerbating, social inequality.

Gender and inequality: Men and women experience stages of life, rights, opportunities and rewards differently. These differences create social inequality.
Race and inequality: Racial and ethnic groups have distinct experiences of privilege, power, and social justice. Systemic racism is a key factor in racial inequality.
Sexuality and inequality: Homophobia and heterosexism can create differences in power and social status among individuals of different sexual orientations.
Ability and inequality: People with disabilities often face additional barriers in society – these can lead to power imbalances, different resource access, and increased vulnerability.

Feminist approach: Feminism argues that gendered social roles, reproductive biology, sexual oppression, and patriarchal ideologies are key factors in women’s social inequality.
Postmodern perspective: There is a focus on identity, difference, and diversity. Diversity could lead to social inequality through processes of marginalisation and exclusion.
Intersectionality: This term, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, refers to the overlapping and interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, gender and class. Intersectionality highlights that social inequality is not the result of single discrete identities, but rather, interwoven identities and their relative privileges and disadvantages.
Global comparison approach: It draws comparisons between different countries or regions, seeking to identify patterns and insights. This can help to understand how inequality is socially constructed and varies across different cultural contexts.

Understanding Sociological Explanations of Social Inequality and Difference