Disadvantaged through Discrimination, 2005

Sociologists have consistently demonstrated that a strong link exists between an individual's social class origins and their social class destination. In trying to explain differences in relative class mobility chances, research has traditionally concentrated on individuals' educational attainment, and more recently, on their basic levels of ability and effort. However while 'merit' variables can explain some part of the differences in relative mobility chances, even after controlling for ability, effort and educational attainment, it has been demonstrated that social class origin still has a considerable impact on social class destination.<br> <br> As the actions of employers are central to understanding mobility processes, it is important to try to understand their role in creating inequality. Why is it that at the same level of education, an individual from a middle class background is advantaged over an individual from a working class background when applying for middle class occupations? Do employers discriminate against working class individuals?<br> <br> The data for this study were collected to allow a test of whether individuals from working class families are disadvantaged when applying for higher level occupations through discrimination by employers. The project used an experimental 'letter stimuli' research design; see documentation for further details.<br> <br>