The evidence in this dashboard shows that inequality is not one single pattern. Class inequality can be seen in income distribution: DWP Households Below Average Income data shows that household income varies sharply across the distribution, and housing costs reduce disposable income for many households. Gender inequality can be seen in the ONS gender pay gap, which stood at 12.8% among all employees in April 2025; the ONS also notes that the measure does not prove unequal pay for the same work, but shows a broad labour-market pattern. Ethnic inequality is shown through Attainment 8 data, where GOV.UK reports large differences between ethnic groups, while also reminding us that free school meal eligibility lowers average scores in every ethnic group. Age inequality is shown through NEET data: the ONS estimated that 12.8% of people aged 16–24 were not in education, employment or training in October to December 2025. These patterns can be explained using Marxism, Weberianism, feminism, New Right ideas and intersectional approaches, but students should also evaluate the evidence because official statistics show broad patterns better than lived experiences.
This activity helps students investigate patterns and trends in social inequality through four clickable evidence cards: class, gender, ethnicity and age. Each card reveals a graph, a short data table, possible sociological causes, a methods evaluation point and an exam-style “what does this show?” prompt. It is designed for Cambridge OCR A Level Sociology Component 02, where students need to understand social inequalities, life chances, research evidence and theoretical explanations. The dashboard uses official-source evidence, including DWP income data, ONS gender pay gap data, GOV.UK Attainment 8 data by ethnicity, and ONS NEET data for young people.
Inequality Evidence Dashboard
Click a card to analyse evidence on class, gender, ethnicity or age inequality. Each card gives you a graph, possible causes, methods evaluation, external research links and an exam-style “what does this show?” prompt.
Class inequality: income distribution
| What the evidence shows | Why it matters for life chances | Key methods issue |
|---|---|---|
External research links
Quick check: what does this evidence show?
Select the strongest interpretation for the current card.
Write your own analysis
Write 3–4 sentences explaining the pattern, linking it to one theory, using one research link, and evaluating the evidence.
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