To what extent is ethnicity now the main form of social stratification?
Cambridge
O level and GCSE
2023
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Introduction
Statement of the topic: To what extent is ethnicity now the main form of social stratification?
Arguments for Ethnicity as the Main Form of Social Stratification
Hate Crime and Discrimination
- Islamophobia and hate crimes against Black and Asian footballers
- Negative labeling and moral panics around delinquency and crime
Institutional Racism
- Police targeting and discrimination in the criminal justice system
- Ethnocentric curriculum in education
- Discrimination in employment and the "concrete ceiling"
- Negative effects on healthcare and housing
Arguments Against Ethnicity as the Main Form of Social Stratification
Other Forms of Stratification
- Gender (feminist perspective)
- Social class (functionalist and Marxist perspectives)
- Ageism
- Disability
Evidence of Social Mobility and Progress
- Success stories of ethnic minorities in top jobs
- Increasing awareness and condemnation of racism
Conclusion
Evaluation of the arguments and a balanced judgment on the extent to which ethnicity is the main form of social stratification
To What Extent is Ethnicity Now the Main Form of Social Stratification?
Social stratification refers to the hierarchical layering of society into groups with unequal access to power, wealth, and prestige. While various factors contribute to social stratification, this essay will explore the extent to which ethnicity has become the primary form, considering arguments for and against this proposition.
There is compelling evidence to suggest that ethnicity plays a significant role in shaping social stratification. Hate crimes targeting specific ethnic groups, such as Islamophobia and the abuse faced by Black and Asian footballers, highlight the prejudice and discrimination experienced by minorities. Negative labeling in the media further reinforces stereotypes and can lead to real-world consequences. For instance, the portrayal of Black youth in the UK as prone to delinquency contributes to their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, exemplified by the tragic death of George Floyd in the United States. This labeling can result in police targeting through practices like stop and search, perpetuating a vicious cycle of disadvantage.
Moreover, institutional racism, often subtle and ingrained within societal structures, creates barriers for ethnic minorities in various sectors. From healthcare disparities to housing discrimination, these systemic biases limit opportunities and perpetuate social inequalities. The ethnocentric curriculum in education, which often neglects or misrepresents the history and culture of minority groups, can lead to feelings of alienation and exclusion, hindering their educational attainment and social mobility. Discrimination in employment, both during recruitment and promotion (illustrated by the concept of the "concrete ceiling"), further exacerbates the economic disparities faced by ethnic minorities.
However, arguing that ethnicity is the *main* form of stratification overlooks other significant forms of inequality. Feminists argue that gender remains a primary form of stratification, highlighting ongoing issues such as the glass ceiling and horizontal segregation in the workplace. They contend that women, regardless of their ethnicity, face systemic disadvantages based solely on their gender. Similarly, ageism increasingly affects both the young and the old, limiting their employment opportunities due to negative stereotypes. The plight of the underclass, often trapped in a cycle of poverty transmitted across generations, underscores the enduring influence of social class.
Marxists, for instance, maintain that social class remains the most fundamental form of stratification. They argue that capitalism inherently creates a division between the bourgeoisie (owners of production) and the proletariat (working class), with ethnic minorities often overrepresented among the exploited proletariat. While acknowledging the role of ethnicity, Marxists believe that class-based inequalities stemming from the capitalist system are the root cause of social stratification. Additionally, disability rights activists emphasize the often overlooked stratification based on disability. They point to the social exclusion and lack of access to essential services experienced by disabled individuals, highlighting that disability can significantly impact life chances and opportunities.
Furthermore, some argue that the significance of ethnicity as a form of stratification is diminishing. The increasing visibility of successful ethnic minorities in various fields, such as former US President Barack Obama, challenges the notion of insurmountable barriers. The growing awareness and condemnation of racism, fueled by movements like Black Lives Matter, suggest a societal shift towards greater equality.
In conclusion, while ethnicity undoubtedly plays a significant role in shaping social stratification, it is too simplistic to declare it as the main form. Other factors, including gender, age, social class, and disability, intersect and interact with ethnicity, creating a complex web of inequality. Although progress has been made in addressing racial discrimination, systemic biases and prejudices persist. Therefore, tackling social stratification requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the interplay of ethnicity with other social divisions to create a truly equitable society.
**Sources:** * Giddens, A. & Sutton, P. (2017). Sociology (8th ed.). Polity Press. * Abbott, P. (2017). Sociology: The Basics (5th ed.). Routledge.Free Mark Scheme Extracts
To what extent is ethnicity now the main form of social stratification?
Possible arguments for:
- Some ethnic groups face hate crime on the street or via social media, e.g. Islamophobia and Black and Asian footballers.
- Ethnic minorities experience inequalities linked to racism and negative labeling in the media – for example, Black youth in the UK are the focus of moral panics around delinquency and crime.
- Negative labeling of ethnic minorities can lead to police targeting (e.g., stop and search) and further discrimination in the criminal justice system, e.g. George Floyd.
- Ethnic minorities face an ethnocentric curriculum in education where their culture is either invisible or misrepresented, leading to a feeling of alienation and social exclusion.
- Ethnic minorities face discrimination in recruitment to employment and then encounter the 'concrete ceiling' when they aspire to promotion and higher positions.
- Some ethnic minorities face institutional racism that negatively affects their life chances, e.g., in healthcare and housing.
Possible arguments against:
- Feminists argue that gender is the main form of stratification, pointing out that women still suffer gender inequality in the workplace through the glass ceiling, horizontal segregation, etc.
- Functionalists argue that social stratification is inevitable, but in a meritocracy, individuals can achieve social mobility through talent and merit.
- Ageism has become a major form of stratification – both younger and older people are discriminated against in employment due to stereotypes.
- The underclass experiences the poverty trap from which they cannot escape, often leading to a cycle of poverty as their children also become trapped.
- Marxists argue that social class remains the most fundamental form of stratification – capitalism is inherently unfair, and the bourgeoisie oppress and exploit the proletariat, who often live in poverty and false consciousness, with ethnic minorities forming a part of the proletariat.
- Disability rights campaigners argue that disabled people often remain invisible and socially excluded – they often cannot access essential services like adequate education, transport, or work, impacting their lifestyle and identity.
- More ethnic minorities are now achieving top jobs and climbing the social ladder, e.g., Barack Obama.
- There is now a consensus that racism is wrong, e.g., the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, meaning that racial discrimination will no longer be tolerated in any sphere.