In What Way Are People's Life Chances Influenced by Where They Live?

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Q3. In which way are people’s life chances influenced by where they live? What you do and how well you do in life depends on your life chances. Darkes et al. (2011, p. 116) States ‘The term was coined by the sociologist Max Weber (1948)’ It is suggested that our economic position in society depends on what life chances we had. Max Weber (in Darkes et al. 2011, p.116) argued that ‘Our education can affect the type of job we are able to get, which in turn can affect where we are able to live.’ I aim to explore the different avenues that are considered to influence your life chances, the major areas are education, wealth, if you own your own home or if you are a council tenant or living in a housing association property and where you live. Does where we live have a major influence on our life chances? Saunders (1988) in Darkes et al., 2011, p.120) argued ‘that housing tenure (weather it is owned or rented) has become more important than occupation in terms of affecting your life chances. This is suggesting that depending on the fact if you live in a deprived or affluent area, rented or you own your own home will determine what your life chances are going to be. The advantage of owning your own home is you have housing wealth. There is an option to take a lump sum of equity against your home. Or you might leave it as inheritance for your children which will give them financial stability. Saunders (1988, 1990) in Drakes et al, 2011, p120) states ’furthermore, passing wealth through inheritance means that this advantage is passed on from generation to generation.’ Where you live and the type of property you live in says a lot about you. It indicates your class, wealth, education and profession. A privately owned home suggests you can afford your own and your children’s living expenses. Hobbies, clubs, holidays. You can chose where you want to live and which
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