Social Differentiation (AQA A Level Sociology): Revision Note
Exam code: 7192
What is social differentiation?
Social differentiation refers to how society divides people into categories such as age, gender, class, ethnicity, or occupation
This often results in social stratification where some groups hold more power and privilege, while others are marginalised
This hierarchical system affects who gets access to resources, opportunities, and influence
Examples of social differentiation
Gender
Society often expects different roles and behaviours from men and women
E.g., women are still under-represented in top leadership roles and often paid less than men for the same work
Age
People are treated differently based on age groups
E.g., young people may struggle to find full-time employment, while older people may face age discrimination in the workplace
Social class
Individuals are differentiated based on income, job, and lifestyle
E.g., children from low-income families are less likely to attend top universities due to financial barriers and limited support
Ethnicity
People may be grouped and treated differently based on ethnic background or cultural heritage
E.g., people from Black or Asian backgrounds in the UK are more likely to be stopped and searched by police
Religion
People are sometimes treated differently based on religious beliefs or practices
E.g., Muslim women wearing a hijab may face discrimination in job interviews or public spaces
Disability
Differentiation occurs when people with physical or mental disabilities are treated differently or have unequal access to opportunities
E.g., a lack of accessible buildings or transport can prevent disabled people from fully participating in work or social life
Sexual orientation
People may experience different treatment based on who they are attracted to
E.g., LGBTQ+ individuals may face barriers to promotion in workplaces where discrimination still exists, even if it's not openly acknowledged
Status
Status is the level of respect, prestige, or social standing a person holds in society. It can be
ascribed, i.e., given at birth (e.g., members of the royal family) or
achieved, i.e., earned through effort or success (e.g., becoming a doctor, athlete, or artist)
Status refers to a person's social position or ranking in society
E.g., members of the aristocracy have a higher status than refuse collectors in British society
Differences in status often result in social differentiation, which creates inequalities in areas such as income, wealth, access to power, education, employment opportunities, healthcare, life expectancy, and mortality rates
Examiner Tips and Tricks
As social differentiation is a core theme that runs throughout A Level Sociology, make sure you show awareness of how factors like class, gender, ethnicity, and age shape people’s experiences in different topics. For example:
In education, use it to explain why working-class pupils may underachieve
In families, apply it when discussing how gender roles or ethnic backgrounds influence family structures
In crime and deviance, explore how young, ethnic minority males may be more likely to be labelled as deviant
Examiners reward students who can apply core themes across topics, so don’t forget to integrate social differentiation into your answers where relevant.
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