Unit description

Explores notions of globalisation and social inequality by using a variety of sociological theories, and to question the structures that maintain those inequalities. Specific inequalities such as the distribution of wealth and problems surrounding age, gender and religion are examined, as are policies designed to produce social change.

Unit content

Module 1: Introduction

Topic 1. Introduction to social inequality
Topic 2. The structural basis of inequality
Topic 3. Globalisation

Module 2: Issues and theories

Topic 4. Inequality within nations I: Poverty, social exclusion and the welfare state in Australia
Topic 5. Theoretical approaches I: Marx
Topic 6. Inequality between nations I: Poverty in the developing world and the international division of labour
Topic 7. Theoretical approaches II: Weber and multidimensionalists
Topic 8. Inequality with nations II: People flows within nations
Topic 9. Theoretical approaches III: Theories of gender and race/ethnicity
Topic 10. Inequality between nations II: Migration
Topic 11. Theoretical approaches IV: Citizenship and rights

Learning outcomes


Learning outcomes and graduate attributes

Prescribed texts

Session 2

  • Grabb, EG, 2007, Theories of Social Inequality, 5th edn, Thomson Nelson, Canada. ISBN: ISBN 0 17 641666 8.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment


Teaching method
Lecture on-site 1 hour  (12 weeks )
Tutorial on-site 2 hours  (12 weeks)


Teaching method
Structured online learning 2 hours (11)



Fee information


Commonwealth Supported courses
Commencing 2017 Commonwealth Supported only. Student contribution band: 1

Fee paying courses

