ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

(Department of Sociology)

WARNING

1. PLAGIARISM OR HIRING OF GHOST WRITER(S) FOR SOLVING THE ASSIGNMENT(S) WILL DEBAR THE STUDENT FROM AWARD OF DEGREE/CERTIFICATE, IF FOUND AT ANY STAGE.
2. SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENT(S) BORROWED OR STOLEN FROM OTHER(S) AS ONE’S OWN WILL BE PENALIZED AS DEFINED IN “AIOU PLAGIARISM POLICY”.

Course: Social Stratification and Inequality (9608)

Level: Postgraduate / PGD Semester: Spring, 2025

Please read the following instructions for writing your assignments. (AD, BS, B.Ed. MA/MSc, MEd) (ODL Mode).

1. All questions are compulsory and carry equal marks but within a question the marks are distributed according to its requirements.

2. Read the question carefully and then answer it according to the requirements of the questions.

3. Avoid irrelevant discussion/information and reproducing from books, study guide or allied material.

4. Handwritten scanned assignments are not acceptable.

5. Upload your typed (in Word or PDF format) assignments on or before the due date.

6. Your own analysis and synthesis will be appreciated.

7. Late assignments can’t be uploaded at LMS.

8. The students who attempt their assignments in Urdu/Arabic may upload a scanned copy of their handwritten assignments (in PDF format) on University LMS. The size of the file should not exceed 5MB.

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

ASSIGNMENT No. 1

(Units: 1–4)

Q. 1 How did the rise of urbanization and the development of cities lead to the intensification of social stratification? Discuss the relationship between economic production and class divisions in early civilizations. (20)

Q. 2 How social stratification is seen as a necessary mechanism that helps maintain order and cohesion in society by assigning different roles to different individuals and groups, with each playing a part in the functioning of the whole society? (20)

Q. 3 Social inequality has widespread effects on individuals, communities, and societies. It can manifest in various forms, including economic disparity, unequal access to resources, discrimination, and marginalization of certain groups. Discuss these effects in detail. (20)

Q. 4 Examine the role of race and ethnicity in the origins of social stratification. How have racial and ethnic divisions contributed to the development of social hierarchies and systems of discrimination (e.g., colonialism, apartheid, caste systems)? (20)

Q. 5 Discuss in detail the causes and effects of social inequality: (10+10)

i. Conflict Theory (Neo-Marxism) on Social Stratification

ii. Max Weber’s theory of Social Stratification

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

ASSIGNMENT No. 2

(Units: 5–9)

Q. 1 The global persistence of ascription refers to the continued importance of ascribed characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, social class, and family background in determining an individual's social status, opportunities, and life outcomes. Discuss key factors behind the persistence of ascription globally. (20)

Q. 2 “The wage gap between male-dominated and female-dominated professions is not reflective of the actual value of the work itself. Professions predominantly held by women, such as teaching, nursing, and caregiving, are often undervalued in terms of wages despite their crucial contributions to society’s well-being and functioning.” Explain. (20)

Q. 3 Despite progress over the years, millions of people, especially in developing countries, still live in extreme poverty, often defined by living on less than $1.90 per day (the World Bank's international poverty line). This crisis is a multi-dimensional issue, influenced by factors such as inequality, economic instability, political conflict, environmental degradation, and global systemic challenges. Discuss these factors in detail. (20)

Q. 4 There are several types of social mobility, which can be classified based on direction, scope, and time frame. Analyze them with examples. (20)

Q. 5 The concept of intersectionality, introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, explains how different aspects of a person’s identity interact to create unique forms of privilege or disadvantage. Provide examples to support your argument. (20)

???