A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What does social differentiation refer to in a societal context?

1. Grouping of people based on personal preferences

2. Division of society into distinct groups

3. Equal treatment of all societal members

4. Classification based solely on economic status

The correct answer is: Division of society into distinct groups

Social differentiation refers to the division of society into distinct groups, emphasizing how individuals and groups within a society come to occupy different statuses or roles based on varying criteria. This concept acknowledges the complexity of social structures, where individuals may be differentiated by factors such as age, gender, occupation, ethnicity, or social class, leading to a diverse social landscape. Understanding social differentiation is crucial in sociology, as it helps to explain how social hierarchies and inequalities are formed and maintained throughout society. By recognizing that people are categorized into different groups, it becomes easier to analyze social relationships, power dynamics, and the implications these distinctions have for social cohesion and conflict. The other options do not capture the broad and essential nature of social differentiation. Grouping of people based on personal preferences is too narrow and subjective. Equal treatment of all societal members contradicts the idea of differentiation, as it disregards the inherent distinctions and inequalities present within social structures. Lastly, classification based solely on economic status ignores the multifaceted ways in which differentiation occurs, including cultural, social, and political dimensions.