Some sociologists see inequality as inevitable in any competitive, free market society
In such societies, economic and social processes are constantly generating inequality
In British society, competition creates positions for winners and losers
Some people have higher life chances than others because society is organised to give much to some and little to others
Other sociologists suggest that whatever the level of resources available, individuals can improve their life chances if they choose to
Welfare benefits and free education offer opportunities for all
hard work and a sensible lifestyle can turn these opportunities into better life chances
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Class
Class can be a source of identity and in the 20th century the lifestyles of different sections of society reflected the underlying inequalities in obvious ways
The majority of people cleary saw themselves as belonging to a class
For most people, lifestyles in Britain indicate life chances less clearly than in the past
Also gender, ethnicity, sexuality and age have become significant sources of identity
As a result while people continue to acknowledge that they belong to a class, they do so with less accuracy and certainty
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