Politics and Society · 5th Year

Active learning ideas

Social Class and Inequality

This topic delves into the structural realities of social class and economic inequality in Ireland. Students examine how a person's socio-economic background influences their life chances, from educational attainment to health outcomes and political influence. The unit uses data from the CSO and ESRI to analyze the distribution of wealth and the persistence of poverty in an otherwise wealthy nation.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 1, LO 1.7
• Leaving Certificate Politics and Society, Strand 1, LO 1.8

• 45–60 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 50 min · Whole Class

Simulation Game: The 'Life Chances' Lottery

Students are randomly assigned 'identity cards' with different socio-economic profiles (income, education level, location). They must then navigate a series of 'life events' (applying for a mortgage, accessing healthcare, seeking legal aid). This simulation vividly illustrates how structural barriers affect individuals differently regardless of effort.

How does social class affect political participation?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Inquiry Circle
• 60 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Data Detectives

Using the CSO (Central Statistics Office) website, small groups are assigned different regions in Ireland to compare indicators like unemployment rates, third-level education, and average income. They create an infographic to present their findings, highlighting the 'geography of inequality' in Ireland.

What are the root causes of inequality in Ireland?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Formal Debate
• 45 min · Whole Class

Formal Debate: Universal vs. Targeted Benefits

Students debate whether the Irish government should provide universal services (like free GP care for all) or targeted supports (only for those below a certain income). They must research the pros and cons of each approach in terms of social cohesion and economic cost, using Ireland's current 'two-tier' systems as context.

How can public policy address social stratification?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Decision-Making

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Poverty is primarily the result of individual choices or lack of hard work.

  Sociological evidence shows that structural factors like housing costs, educational access, and systemic discrimination play a much larger role. Simulations that show 'unlucky' life events help students empathize with the structural nature of inequality.

• Ireland is a 'classless' society compared to the UK.

  While Ireland may lack the formal titles of the UK, economic and social stratification is clearly visible in housing patterns, school types, and professional networks. Analyzing 'cultural capital' through peer discussion helps students identify these subtle class markers.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game
• Inquiry Circle
• Formal Debate