Ashley Vieira

H5033089
TMA 02

Part 1
Drawing on the ‘Ordering lives’ chapter and film and your feedback from TMA 01, define
‘inequality’ and outline examples in relation to ordering.

Drawing on feedback received in TMA01, this essay will aim to clearly define inequality as it
relates to ordering and provide examples to further comprehend this concept. We will explore
the squatters taking illegal occupation of the old Gaiety Cinema on City Road (The Open
University, 2019) and unravel their strong anarchist philosophy as it relates to the law of
property use. In addition, we will explore the pubs and clubs on City Road (The Open
University, 2019) and how the bouncers play a substantial role in ordering. We will dissect
the forms of inequality presented by their process of inclusion and exclusion of the clientele.
Lastly, we will examine how other pubs choose the contrary by taking the softer approach by
way of self-regulation.

In (The Open University, 2019) we observe the squatters, who call themselves ‘The
Gremlins’, unlawfully taking occupancy at the old Gaiety Cinema on City Road. We watch
their struggle as they attempt to challenge the existing order by fighting eviction from law
enforcement. Nick (The Open University, 2019) sheds light on the squatter’s stance by
explaining The Gremlin’s perspective and belief of what they describe as, ‘the freedom of
sharing’. He explains that The Gremlins feel that although the building is lawfully owned by
somebody, they have an anarchistic right to occupy it if it is not being used. Most would
agree that this view is disorderly. The anarchists have conflicting views. In contrast,
(Blakeley, 2014, p.88) explains that The Gremlins feel that it is actually the current unequal
social order that is the source of disorder. Imposed social order within society gives law
enforcement the responsibility to distribute order by making sure those who occupy the
building are those who have legitimate tenancy. Although most will agree with this
legislation, the anarchists’ belief of free use of property is in line with the concept of
inequality. There is an unequal distribution of social resources within City Road as it relates
to property usage between the civilian and the anarchist. This defines inequality in relation to
social ordering.

Exploring the pub culture on City Road (The Open University, 2019), we find how certain
bars choose to enforce order with bouncers and how others operate by self-regulation. The
Varsity bar utilise bouncers at the door to enforce order. They do this by picking whom they
feel can and cannot enter the club as a means to regulating behaviour and establishing order.
(Blakeley, 2014, p.98) states that clientele may be included or excluded based on age,
appearance and other factors. She explains that these practices of inclusion and exclusion are
the club’s way of imposing order based on what the bouncer’s class as desirable and
undesirable clientele. For example, a person who is dressed in a hoodie and a tracksuit may
be going to the Varsity with good intentions however there is a potential that they will be
denied at the door due to the manner in which they are dressed. However, a person in a suit
looking to initiate conflict may be approved entry for the same reason. Although the bouncers
feel as if they are minimizing potential conflict, the judgment made based on appearance is
prejudiced and inconsistent. To the contrary, The Ernest Willows (The Open University,
2019) has an informal policy where their doors are open to everyone no matter how they are
dressed or how old they are. They operate by clientele self-regulation as opposed to The

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Ashley Vieira
H5033089
TMA 02

Varsity’s use of bouncers. The Willows rely on each other to regulate their own behaviours
and do not feel that regulating rules require authoritative measures. (Blakeley, 2014 p.98)
describes how the manager claims bouncers can make things worse by being intimidating
rather than making social order. We see clearly in The Varsity that there is an unequal
distribution of power being imposed on the clientele simply based on appearance. Whilst the
pup culture at Ernest Willows is consistent and equal.

In conclusion, society is in a constant state of being made and remade. Majority will agree
that in most situations we rely on those authoritative figures to continue to regulate and
define social order. However (Blakeley, 2014, p.98) states that there is a disagreement within
society over who should have the authority to make and remake order, what counts as order
and disorder and who decides the rules that govern people’s behaviour. I believe that we can
work toward more of an equal democracy amongst everyone when making and remaking
society. This way we can minimise the abuse of power and inequality and develop a more
unbiased society.

References:

The Open University (2019a) ‘Ordering Lives’ [Video], DD102 Introducing the social
sciences. Available at: https://learn2.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?
id=1393633&section=2

Blakeley, G.(2014) Ordering Lives, in Allen, J and Blakeley, G (eds.) Understanding Social
Lives, Part 4. Milton Keynes, The Open University.

Part 2: Self Reflection

Two areas of my work that I would welcome feedback would be the following:
1. Referencing as it relates to verbatim text and summarised in text citations.
2. Revising and writing tips when preparing for a TMA as it relates to time management,
remembering important points and question focused reading.

Part 3: Forum Posting

I chose to respond to Dawn Robinson’s post about her street as I too live in a small town in
south Manchester. Our streets are similar in that we both live in an area filled with trees and
greenery. People on my street also take pride in their adding to the beauty of the
neighbourhood with their detailed and maintained gardens. Our streets are different in that
most of my neighbours are not pensioners but middle aged, working class people.
Additionally, most of the homes on my street are detached and semi-detached houses.
Contrarily, Dawn’s neighbourhood consists mainly of bungalows.