Explain two areas in contemporary UK where there is inequality because of social class

Functionalists often assume that Western education system is meritocratic – that all pupils have an equal chance and are rewarded primarily on the basis of objective criteria such as achievement, ability, intelligence and effort. However, there are significant inequalities in society such as those based on social class which prevents equality of opportunity (a system in which every person has an equal chance of success). For example, many working class pupils underachieve in school. As a result, the extent to which the educational system is able to develop and asses the pupils ‘real’ ability is questionable. The inequalities of opportunity which exist both inside and outside school suggests that education is not meritocratic in the process. It can be argued that the education system gives people their social positions rather than providing an opportunity to gain a higher status. Middle class people are seen to get middle class jobs and in general, they have higher qualifications than working class people. Because of these qualifications, middle class people may feel that they almost have a right to be middle class; even though their ‘success’ in school may be result from the advantages of their class position than their ability.
Parsons suggests that schools allocate individuals to appropriate positions in the occupational system. This is challenged by evidence that there are barriers preventing many students from achieving their potential. Bowles and Gintis argue that rewards in education and occupation are not based on ability but on social background. The higher the class they began in, the more likely they are to attain high qualifications and a top job, the class system tends to reproduce itself from generation to generation and this process is legitimised by education.