IR114: Power, Inequality and Identity: Understanding Contemporary Societies

How do social divisions and differences shape our identities, actions and life-chances? Power, Inequality and Identity provides an introduction to key debates in contemporary sociology, examining the forces that drive social stratification and the construction of social identity.

You will gain a critical understanding of current research and analysis in the study of social inequalities, exploring how sociology helps us to address topical real-world issues. The course centres on the ways in which power relations, patterns of social stratification and inequality, and diverse identities are shaped in contemporary societies – focusing on structural divisions, social movements, and everyday experiences and identities in different international contexts.

Your learning is organised around intersecting themes in the study of key topics including:

• Class and culture
• Inequality and social mobility
• Race, ethnicity and gender
• Bodies, identity and diversity

Through interactive and engaging teaching and discussion, this course empowers you to analyse complex social issues through the lens of cutting-edge sociological evidence and theory. It’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding of how inequality and difference shape the world, and to imagine pathways toward a more equitable future.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course. 

Level: 100 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs

Fees: Please see Fees and payments

Lectures: 36 hours

Classes: 18 hours

Assessment: One written essay (50%) and a final examination (50%)

Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)

Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment

This course is suited to anyone with an interest in the social bases of inequalities and identities, both students with a background in sociology and those who are new to the field. It will be of particular interest to those who want to gain a critical understanding of social cleavages around class, race and gender, as well as connecting these themes to contemporary social issues and movements. Students aiming to make a difference in the fields of policy and politics, journalism, social research, NGOs, campaigning organisations or the community sector will find this course especially relevant.

Students taking this course will:

• Gain a well-rounded understanding of key concepts and debates on social stratification and social identities
• Engage with issues of inequality and diversity in different international contexts
• Explore these core sociological themes in relation to social structures and institutions, social identities and experiences, and social and political movements 

The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.