Ashley Vieira

H5033089
TMA 01
Part 1
In your own words, define ‘inequality’ and provide two examples of it that can be seen on
City Road.

In society we provide school places based on distance between the home and school. If a
child is born into a low-income area with substandard schools, the child will most likely at-
tend the institution closest to them. Schools that possess an outstanding rating might be in a
neighbourhood deemed superior. Therefore, unattainable for families that cannot afford to
live there. The opportunity for all children to have access to a good education is unequally
distributed within society. Children are subjected to a subpar education purely on the basis
that they were born into a neighbourhood that has been regarded by society as low-class. This
scenario is an example of a concept described in social science as ‘inequality’. Yes this is a
very good example of ‘inequality.’ And of course some parents with high incomes will move
to certain areas just to ensure their child gets a place in a particular school.

The Mackintosh Centre once owned by a wealthy family, is now home to a community sports
centre. John Cooksley, (The Open University, 2019a) explains that locals are reluctant to join
as the structure has a very prestigious and intimidating exterior. Even though the building is
now open to the community, it still gives locals the impression that it is an exclusive and ex-
pensive club where they feel they do not belong. Yes and this perception can ‘remake’ or
maintain inequalities.

“The physical street is made in ways that facilitate the ability of some groups to make their
lives as they choose, while hindering the ability of others to do so”. Staples (2014, p. 52).
This struggle can be seen with Stephen Sweetman, (The Open University, 2019b) struggling
to navigate a sidewalk not made for people like him with mobility issues whilst easy for the
average person to navigate. Good example.

References:
• The Open University (2019a) ‘Inequalities on the street’ [Video], DD102 Introducing the
social sciences. Available at https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?
id=1393626&section=2.2 (February 15, 2019).

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• Staples, M. (2014) ‘4.2 How are differences and inequalities produced?’, in Allen, J. and
Blakeley, G. (eds) Understanding Social Lives, Chapter 2, Milton Keynes, The Open
University. Reference here would be : Staples, M.(2014) Making Lives, in Allen, J and
Blakeley, G (eds.) Understanding Social Lives, Part 1. Milton Keynes, The Open Uni-
versity.
• The Open University (2019b) ‘Difference and inequality’ [Video], DD102 Introducing
the social sciences. Available at https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?
id=1393629&section=3.4

Part 2 - Self-Reflection

What I enjoy the most about this module is the online structure of the platform, For example,
the week by week guidelines help me to stay organized and on track with my studies. The
most challenging would be the skill of balancing and committing my time as a working mum.
I agree that the week by week guideline is really helpful especially at first when there is so
much information to take in. Time management is often complex when you are a parent - on
the other hand mums usually have to develop very good time management skills so are often
the best students at managing time!

Part 3 - Forum Post

The street I am most familiar with is Trafford Wharf Road in Manchester. The road consists
mainly of businesses. The people I see here are working class people averaging ages 20-40.
Much like myself, the individuals I see here work in promotions or media. The street is home
to the set of Coronation Street and parallel to Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium. As
a result, it attracts many fans and tourist visiting the locations. The road is most recently
known for the construction of the new tram line destined for The Trafford Centre, bringing
more employment and construction traffic. A really interesting description of Trafford Wharf
Rd. The combination of media/promotions businesses and fans and tourists must make for an
eclectic mix of people. There is also an irony in this street being home to Coronation Street -
a fictional street that recreates a community that celebrates continuity and yet depends on
change to keep its storylines developing.

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Ashley Vieira
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TMA 01