ESSAY QUESTIONS

Students must choose one out of these six essay questions:

1. Outline ‘ethnic discrimination theory’ and examine whether this theory can help explain ethnic inequalities in schooling and employment outcomes.

2. Outline ‘ individualization theory’ and discuss to what extent this theory allows us to understand individuals’ lives in contemporary society.

3. Explain ‘post-materialist theory’ and discuss how post-materialist values have influenced demographic outcomes in recent decades.

4. Outline the ‘income inequality hypothesis’ and examine to what extent this hypothesis can explain individuals’ well-being in contemporary societies.

5. Define the sociological concept of ‘precarious work’ and discuss to what extent precarious jobs impact individuals’ well-being in contemporary societies.

6. Define and explain the concept of ‘socialization’ and assess how socialization processes can shape individuals’ gender roles across the life course.