Participation in the political process

Protest activities; local community projects; joining politically motivated organisations; standing for election; voting; joining a political party.

The political success of a group or individual can depend on

The resources at their disposal; public opinion; how close the organization is to the government; the size of the organization’s membership.

Voting trends

Class: Middle class vote Conservative, working class vote Labour.

Age: Younger vote Labour, older vote Conservative.

Gender: In the 2010 elections men were more likely than women to vote for the Conservaties.

Ethnicity: British Asian and Black Communities vote Labour.

Government attempts to tackle social problems

Introduction of equality and anti-discrimination legislation; means-tested benefits; Child Benefits; the introduction of tax credits; National Minimum Wage Act 1998.

Types of power

Traditional authority (parents); legal rational authority (police, teachers); charismatic authority (some teachers and politicians)

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Test It!

1. What do sociologists mean by power?
2. Describe two ways in which pressure groups can attempt to influence public opinion.
3. What does a sociologist mean by discrimination? Give examples to illustrate your answer.
4. Identify some of the ways in which recent governments have tried to provide for disadvantaged members of society andexplain why this might lead to political arguments and debate.
5. What factors might influence how successful a pressure group is in changing the way a government behaves?
6. What are some of the political debates surrounding the existence of the welfare state?
7. To what extent would sociologists agree with the idea that power is shared equally between different social classes in Britain today?
8. To what extent would sociologists agree that social class remains the most powerful influence on the voting behaviour and political beliefs of a British citizen?

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Some top tips!

1. Print out the Test It! Questions – it will allow you to replicate exam conditions and also allows you to give your eyes a rest from the computer screen whilst doing your crucial revision.
2. Make a copy of the Remember It! Section and put in a place that you often look at. i.e. front of a journal, next to a mirror, on a kitchen cupboard door, etc. That way you can do some cheeky sociology revision whilst doing those things you have to do!