Social inequality by social class
Introduction
Understanding social class inequality is essential for anyone studying Cambridge OCR A level Sociology. The specification requires students to explain how social differences are created, maintained and experienced, and social class remains one of the most powerful influences on people’s lives in the United Kingdom. Whether we look at income, education, employment or health, clear patterns emerge that show how opportunities and life chances vary between social groups. Class is also central to key sociological debates, theories and research methods that appear throughout the course. By examining contemporary data and the work of major sociologists, students can develop stronger analytical skills and apply evidence effectively in exams.
Social class continues to be one of the strongest predictors of life chances in the United Kingdom. From income and housing to educational success and health outcomes, class-based inequalities shape the experiences and opportunities available to different groups. Drawing on contemporary ONS data and the work of key UK sociologists, this post outlines the major patterns and trends in social inequality today.
1. Understanding social class
NS-SEC and the official class structure
The National Statistics Socio-Economic Classification (NS-SEC) is the main way the UK measures social class. It groups people based on their occupations and employment relations. This framework is strongly influenced by the work of John Goldthorpe, who argued that differences in job security, autonomy and conditions explain much of the variation in social outcomes.
New class models
Sociologists such as Mike Savage and Fiona Devine, working with the Great British Class Survey, suggest that class divisions are becoming more complex. They identify seven social classes, ranging from an elite at the top to a precariat at the bottom. Their model draws on Pierre Bourdieu’s ideas about economic, social and cultural capital. According to this approach, class is not just about income but also about networks and lifestyle, which can reinforce inequality.
2. Income inequality
Gini coefficient
The Gini coefficient is a common measure of income inequality. Recent ONS figures for the financial year ending 2024 show a Gini of around 33 percent for disposable income, which indicates that income inequality remains high in comparison to many other developed nations.
Gaps between richest and poorest
ONS data on taxes and benefits highlights stark differences in original household incomes. In 2024 the richest fifth of the population had an average original income of about £116,600 compared with £9,600 for the poorest fifth. While taxes and benefits reduce the gap, substantial inequalities remain. This illustrates the unequal distribution of market income before government intervention.
3. Education and social mobility
Early attainment differences
Educational inequality begins early. The Social Mobility Commission reports a large gap in early years development between pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM) and their peers. By age five, these gaps are already significant and tend to grow throughout schooling.
GCSE and higher education
By Key Stage 4, attainment gaps widen further. Students from more advantaged backgrounds achieve higher GCSE grades on average and are more likely to progress to higher education. In 2022 young people from higher professional backgrounds were more than twice as likely to enter university as those from working class families.
Some courses show even stronger class patterns. For example, medicine continues to be dominated by students from higher socio-economic groups, despite widening participation policies.
Outcomes in adulthood
ONS research shows that by age 25 former FSM pupils are significantly less likely to earn above the Living Wage compared with those who were not eligible. By age 30, half of people who were on FSM earn £17,000 or less. These patterns support Goldthorpe’s argument that class advantages and disadvantages are reproduced over generations.
4. Work, mobility and geography
Occupational mobility
Goldthorpe’s mobility studies show limited relative mobility. Children from professional families are much more likely to enter professional employment, while those from working class backgrounds have fewer opportunities to move upward.
Regional differences
Recent studies from the Sutton Trust highlight major geographical inequalities. London offers the highest opportunities for social mobility, while many coastal and post-industrial areas of the North and Midlands rank among the lowest. Pupils on FSM in London have higher GCSE pass rates and are more likely to progress to university compared with similar pupils in low mobility areas. This indicates that class inequality intersects with regional disadvantage.
5. Health inequalities
Life expectancy
ONS figures show a clear class gradient in life expectancy. In 2020 to 2022 men living in the most deprived areas had a life expectancy of 72.6 years compared with 83.0 years in the least deprived areas. Women in the poorest areas had a life expectancy of 77.7 years compared with 86.1 years in the wealthiest.
Healthy life expectancy
Healthy life expectancy shows even greater inequalities. Men in the most deprived areas can expect around 51 healthy years, compared with just over 70 in the least deprived. These differences reflect variations in housing quality, employment conditions, environmental risks and access to services.
6. Sociological explanations
Goldthorpe
Goldthorpe argues that class inequalities persist because of differences in employment relations and the ability of middle class families to use their resources to secure educational and occupational advantages for their children.
Savage and Devine
Savage and Devine emphasise the importance of different forms of capital. Their work shows how economic, cultural and social resources combine to produce entrenched class divisions. They also highlight the importance of class identity and how people understand their own social position.
7. Conclusion
Patterns of social inequality in the UK show that class still matters. Differences in income, education, health and life chances remain strongly patterned by socio-economic position. Contemporary data from the ONS and research by leading sociologists provide strong evidence that Britain is not a meritocracy, as structural inequalities limit opportunities for many individuals.
References
BBC (2013) The Great British Class Survey.
Devine, F. (2004) Class Practices: How Parents Help Their Children Get Good Jobs. Cambridge University Press.
Goldthorpe, J. (2007) On Sociology. Stanford University Press.
ONS (2024) Effects of Taxes and Benefits on Household Income.
ONS (2024) Income Inequality, UK: Financial Year Ending 2024.
ONS (2023) Health State Life Expectancies, UK: 2020 to 2022.
Social Mobility Commission (2024) State of the Nation.
Sutton Trust (2025) Mobility Coldspots Report.
Savage, M. et al. (2015) Social Class in the 21st Century. Penguin.
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