Social Class And Social Contexts

By considering the social contexts in which people live we are able to better understand them and their position in society. In doing so, it allows us to consider how these contexts can influence life chances, ideas and attitudes. Our social class is one of these (Henslin et al. 2014, p.78). The grouping of people based upon income, education and occupation creates social classes (Henslin et al. 2014, p.78). These factors are identified as the key aspects that determine differences in classes (Giddens 2009, p.300). Social class is often a topic of discussion and is an evolving concept with it therefore becoming difficult to attach a specific meaning to. However, the exploration and analysis of different texts enhances our understanding of this concept. Two texts that explore social class include, ‘Chav Mum Chav Scum’ (Tyler, 2008) and ‘Beyond the digital divide: Internet Diffusion and inequality in Australia’ (Willis et al. 2014).

The article “Chav Mum Chav Scum” suggests that the concept of social class can be emotionally meditated and explores how this impacts on ones life (Tyler 2008, p.17). This idea is presented through the exploration of the ‘chav’ figure. The term chav is used to describe someone of the working class and has negative connotations attached to it (Tyler 2008, p.17). Tyler focuses on the negative reactions of this figure, how it is spread and most importantly, how it influences someone’s social class (Tyler 2008, p.17). Tyler suggests that when the media uses this figure, ‘over determined figures materialise’ with the chav therefore becoming linked to stereotypes of the lower class (Tyler 2008, p.21, 29). The chav thus becomes a symbol that implications flow from (Tyler 2008, p.29). The sociological perspecti...

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...mmodities upholding the structure of social class hierarchies (Willis et al. 2014, p.44). Internet use is the main focus with this supporting the sociological perspective of the conflict theory.

It is therefore evident that by contrasting, comparing and analysing texts our understanding of sociological concepts can be developed. This is shown by the exploration of the two texts presented. We can see that the concept of social class can be established and reinforced by symbols and stereotypes as this aids in class making (Tyler 2008, p.18). In addition, the use of technology, namely the Internet, reinforces the idea of the conflict theory as in this perspective those in a position of power or wealth have access to certain things and thus highlighting and reaffirming social class structures (Willis et al. 2014, p.44). This helps us establish meaning of this concept.