WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology sample

123 Inequality Communism and capitalism Example Countries such as the Soviet Union and China have tried to run societies with greater equality under a system known as communism . Many people see these countries as having failed in this attempt and so proving it is not possible. Some countries, for example Vietnam and Cuba, are still communist and have been more successful, particularly Vietnam. To achieve this, they have made some changes from communism to fit in with the rest of the world’s economies, which are capitalist , as in the USA and the UK. Ideas of being more equal have affected capitalist countries like the UK as well. After the Second World War, the UK introduced a policy of education for all. This idea was part of the welfare state , which included a National Health Service to ensure that good health care was available for everyone, however rich or poor they were. Despite this, there are still private schools and private hospitals in the UK, which richer people can buy into with wealth to gain better education and health life-chances. Equality for everyone? Knowledge Sociologists do not all agree that equality of outcome is needed. Only Marxists would argue that all people should be paid similar amounts and live similar lifestyles. However, most sociologists agree that people should have equal opportunities . Everyone should have the chance of leading the country, being a doctor, lawyer, scientist or whatever they would like to do. Society needs the most talented people to get the best jobs. Hard work and ability should allow those who deserve it to achieve. Example The last few UK governments, both Conservative and Labour, have been worried that the UK does not have equal opportunities. There has been great concern that some of the most talented children in the UK are not achieving what they could and should because of their poor start in life. Theory Feminist and anti-racist sociologists are particularly worried that, for a long time, girls and some ethnic minorities in the UK have not had equal opportunities. They argue that sexism and racism stop these groups from being successful. Taking it further Two countries that have communist governments are North Korea and Vietnam. Find out what life is like in those countries and report back to the class. SUMMARY Inequality is a very lively topic in sociology and in the UK today. It creates disagreement because it is about who gets the best things in society. What does the road sign suggest about equality? Is it possible to be different from others and equal to them? SPOTLIGHT: You have decided to investigate inequality among families in the UK. Which method of investigation would you choose? Why would this be a good method? Would there be any problems with it? METHODS