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Description
In this programme Professor Percy Cohen, Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics, discusses the subject of social class with six adult students from Goldsmiths College, University ...of London. Professor Cohen begins by asking each of the students about his or her own class background. The seminar covers most of the main concepts with which sociologists analyse social class; it illustrates the teaching techniques for which Professor Cohen is well known in the discipline of sociology.
In this programme Professor Percy Cohen, Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics, discusses the subject of social class with six adult students from Goldsmiths College, University ...of London. Professor Cohen begins by asking each of the students about his or her own class background. The seminar covers most of the main concepts with which sociologists analyse social class; it illustrates the teaching techniques for which Professor Cohen is well known in the discipline of sociology.
| Module code and title: | D283, The sociological perspective |
|---|---|
| Item code: | D283; 06 |
| First transmission date: | 20-05-1972 |
| Published: | 1972 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:33 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Ken Patton |
| Contributors: | Percy Cohen; D. Lanslands; J. Stevens; J. Gates; J. Baird; S. Benson |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Class; Sociology |
| Footage description: | Cohen introduces the discussion on aspects of social class by asking some students to describe their class position, why they think they belong to a certain class. Cohen picks out the salient points in class determination - income, style of life, occupation, social mobility. In more discussion other factors are raised - power, prestige etc. What do the terms upper, middle and lower signify and how is this borne out in terms of power, prestige etc. Cohen points out that using the blanket term 'social class' implies the whole theory behind. Cohen turns the discussion to what sociologists see as the important features determining class position. Marx's ideas of economic situation and control of means of production are examined. Problems linking class and inequality are touched on. The family in modern society is discussed as being a major factor in the continuation of social class structure. Other problems are raised about whether classes struggle, are their interests compatible, and has class struggle become institutionalised? They discuss how the situation, balanced in our society, may change to one where the social antagonisms can lead to revolutionary change as in the French Revolution. The question of social mobility is discussed, the evidence for or against, the statistics. The problem of distinction blurring in compiling statistics is dwelt on as this would affect any social mobility index. The specific example of comprehensive schools and its effects on mobility is briefly touched on. Cohen draws the strands together. He analyses the effects of social mobility on the class structure. Methodologically he points out how the model behind the theory of social class can be used with different emphasis in different societies, as not all factors determining social class are of equal importance in all societies Credits. |
| Master spool number: | 6LT/70280 |
| Production number: | 00521_2223 |
| Videofinder number: | 199 |
| Available to public: | no |
