Intersectionality and Multiple Disadvantages Introduction Intersectionality is a sociological and interdisciplinary framework for understanding how different dimensions of social identity and systems of inequality interact to shape people’s experiences, opportunities and life chances. Individuals occupy multiple social positions simultaneously. These may include gender, social class, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, age, nationality, sexuality, and geographical location….

Ethnic, Racial and Religious Inequality Introduction Ethnic, racial and religious inequality refers to unequal access to rights, resources, opportunities, recognition and social participation associated with ethnicity, racial classification or religious identity. These forms of inequality may influence education, employment, housing, healthcare, political representation, legal protection and access to public institutions. Ethnicity generally concerns a shared…

Gender Inequality and Patriarchy Introduction Gender inequality refers to unequal opportunities, rights, resources, responsibilities, and social treatment associated with gender. It may occur in families, education, employment, politics, healthcare, property ownership, and public life. Patriarchy is a social system in which men, as a group, hold disproportionate authority, power, or control within important social institutions….

Power, Prestige and Social Status Introduction Power, prestige, and social status are closely related concepts that help explain how societies organize relationships, distribute influence, and rank individuals and groups. They are important dimensions of social stratification because social position depends not only on economic resources but also on the capacity to influence others and the…

Wealth, Income, Property and Economic Inequality Introduction Economic inequality refers to the unequal distribution of income, wealth, property, and other material resources among individuals, households, and social groups. It is a major dimension of social stratification because access to economic resources influences people’s living standards, educational opportunities, healthcare, political influence, social status, and life chances….

Poverty, Deprivation and Social Exclusion Introduction Poverty, deprivation and social exclusion are closely related concepts used to understand disadvantage and inequality. Poverty generally refers to insufficient resources to meet essential needs or to participate adequately in society. Deprivation refers to the lack of resources, conditions or opportunities considered necessary for an acceptable standard of living….