Social inequality — IGCSE Sociology (0495) questions by topic

Key-term definitions carry real weight: scapegoating, Marxism, upper class and racism must each be explained with two distinct elements, while an essay question weighs how far social class still matters in modern industrial societies.

Explain, state, describe and to-what-extent top the command word list, worth 35 marks in total across this set of 12 questions drawn from 2023 and 2024 papers. Practising definitions that build a second linked point, such as tying scapegoating to unjustified blame or prejudice, and then checking the response against instant marking helps catch answers that stop at one correct idea instead of two.

What examiners look for

Reports state that scapegoating definitions scored best when candidates linked the idea of unjustified blame directed at individuals or groups to prejudice or discrimination.
Examiners found variable success describing features of the underclass, with some candidates naming social exclusion, high criminality, low education or values such as fatalism that keep people in poverty.
Strong answers on ethnic minority disadvantage gave three points with simple development, such as negative media stereotyping leading to police targeting.
A recurring pattern is that the most frequent correct answer on why functionalists see inequality as positive was that it incentivises those at the bottom to work harder.
Strong Marxism definitions referred to the bourgeoisie exploiting or oppressing the proletariat as the two required elements.