This document discusses key concepts in sociology related to social inequality based on age and ethnicity. It provides definitions of ethnicity, ethnic group, and examines how sociologists believe these attributes can create unequal life chances. Specific inequalities are explored around issues like discrimination, legislation, and how views of age and ethnicity may differ cross-culturally.

1. GCSE Sociology
Social Inequality

2.  By the end of these lessons you should:
 Know the sociological definitions of ethnicity
and ethnic group.
 Be able to explain how sociologists believe
that age and ethnicity create unequal life
chances.
 Understand the inequalities based on age and
ethnicity.

3. A group of people who share an identity
based on…
Cultural traditions
Region
Language
A group of people who are from a
different ethnic group from the majority
of the population.

4. Group Percentage
White British 88.2
Indian 1.8
Pakistani 1.3
Bangladeshi 0.5
Black Caribbean 1.0
Chinese 0.4
Black African 0.8

5. Not used in sociology
Humankind being split up into different groups depending on physical
characteristics.
This has been used by some to justify oppression.
A good example of this – colonisation of Africa – the Europeans
thought them selves racially more superior.
Sociology rejects the idea that we are split into
different races – they think that these racial
differences (like gender differences) are
created by society rather than biology.
They recognise that racial discrimination exists
and that come people are treated less
favourably on the grounds of their ethnicity.

6. Equality legislation – The Race Relations Act 1976 – outlawed
discrimination on the basis of ethnicity.
The Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities
Commission – help to fight racism and inequality.
The recognition that racism exists within institutions and efforts made
to address this.
Equal opportunities statements support diversity in the
workplace, schools etc.
Exploring inequality based on ethnicity.
294 to 295 – tasks
Stretch and Challenge activity 295

7. Social Inequality

9. How long you have been alive.
Used to decide if you are allowed to participate
in certain activities.

10. Physical changes which occur, what happens to the body.

11. Vincent (2001)
A social category which appears in all
societies.
Sociologists interested in how age is
viewed – do we have different
expectations of people at different
times in their lives?

13. Ideas about age differ between societies and over time.
Can you think of examples where age
can be seen both positively and
negatively?
Do different cultures view age in different
ways?

14. Research shows that the way that childhood is
viewed has changed over time.
Aires (1962)
In the Middle Ages Children were treated
as mini adults who entered the adult
world at a much younger age.
19th century child labour was
common, especially amongst the
poor. Children worked in mills and
factories to help to support their
families.

15. Now attitudes have changed and
there have been changes in the
law to present this.
Full time education was made
compulsory from 1880. This move
meant that children were not in the
work place and become more
dependent on their parents.
The status of children has changed over
time, today families are much more child
centred and children have a wider range of
rights. Childhood is a separate stage where
the person in vulnerable and in need of
protection. Although this is not the same all-
over the world as there are some children
who are expected to work and fend for
themselves. In this way childhood varies cross
culturally.

16.  How do we define youth?
 What changes may happen to people at this
phase in their lives?
 At what age do you think youth starts and ends?
Justify your answer?
 Should any age based restrictions change or
should they say the same? Explain your answer.
 Why are many people depended on their parents
during this time?
 Do all societies view this period of development
in the same way? Give examples.

17.  How might the status of older people differ
between societies? (use the text and source
material to help you)
 What is age discrimination?
 Give examples of age discrimination.
 What has the government done to try to stop
age discrimination?
 What other factors might affect an older
person’s life chances? Give examples to
explain your answer.

18.  Discuss how far sociologists would agree that
inequality based on ethnicity is a more
significant cause of social division than social
class in modern Britain. (12 marks)
 Discuss how far sociologists would agree that
inequality based on gender is the most
significant form of inequality found in Britain
today.(12 marks)