Photo AI
Read Item O below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 23 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 23
Read Item O below and answer the question that follows. Item O Globalisation has led to the growth of a consumer society in which people are increasingly defined b... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item O below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 23 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
Applying material from Item O, analyse two effects of globalisation on the class structure of the United Kingdom.
Answer
Globalisation has significant impacts on class structures within the United Kingdom. Here, we will analyse two key effects:
Effect 1: Consumer Choices and Class Distinction
The growth of globalisation has transformed consumer habits, leading to a society where choices reflect social status. People are defined by their purchasing power and brand choices, fostering class distinctions. Higher-income groups can access premium global brands and services, while lower-income groups may be restricted to cheaper, less desirable options. This reflects a shift from traditional class measures towards a consumer-based class system, where status is linked to consumption patterns rather than just income.
Effect 2: Economic Migration and Class Dynamics
Furthermore, globalisation results in increased economic migration to the UK. Migrants often fill low-skilled jobs, which can lead to a stratified workforce where certain classes are associated with specific economic roles. This migration can contribute to the widening of gaps between the working class and the middle/upper classes. The influx of diverse workforces may also lead to tensions within communities, presenting challenges to integration and societal cohesion, thereby influencing class dynamics even further.