2.2 Functionalists & New Right on Class Inequality Flashcards
(functionalism) Parsons says social class stratification reflects what?
value consensus
(functionalism) according to Parsons why do those creating wealth and jobs deserve higher rewards?
they contribute to the smooth running of society
(functionalism) Davis and Moore say social stratification exists in all societies, it is therefore what?
functional
(functionalism) Davis and Moore say social stratification ensures what?
role allocation and performance
(functionalism) Davis and Moore - why does stratification allocate the right people to the most important roles?
by offering higher rewards motivating competition the most able then achieve these roles
(functionalism) Davis and Moore - why does stratification ensure people perform roles to the highest standard?
high rewards motivate people to work to their best ability
(functionalism) Davis and Moore - what determines the importance of a role?
it’s functional uniqueness and degree of dependence on others
(functionalism) Davis and Moore - when is a position functionally unique? give an example:
when few can perform it
e.g. surgeon they therefore deserve higher rewards
(functionalism) Davis and Moore - why is a CEO functionally unique in relation to their degree of dependence?
they have a lot of employees lower down who are reliant upon them
(functionalism) D and M criticism (Tumin) - what is it difficult to determine?
the importance of a position
(functionalism) D and M criticism (Tumin) - give an example of how the importance of a position is hard to determine:
nurses disinfecting the theatre might be just as important as the surgeon in saving lives
(functionalism) D and M criticism (Tumin) - Davis and Moore assume few people have the talent e.g. to be doctors, but what is the reality?
many have the talent but not the opportunity
(functionalism) D and M criticism (Tumin) - what do Davis and Moore assume about society?
it is meritocratic
but in reality not everyone has equal life chances
(functionalism) D and M criticism (Tumin) - Davis and Moore assume training is a sacrifice when in reality it can be what?
a freedom e.g. moving out, going to uni, studying a subject you enjoy
(functionalism) D and M criticism (Tumin) - inequality creates what?
mistrust and resentment
(functionalism) D and M criticism (Tumin) - davis and moore assume what is the only motivator?
money
(New right) Saunder’s says a society based on equality would only be possible with what?
force e.g. threat of imprisonment to ensure people did jobs to their best ability
(New right) Saunders says inequality is desirable and functional, why?
to motivate people to compete
(New right) criticism of Saunders - why is it mistaken to assume capitalism offers more freedom?
slavery based on free market capitalism - oppressive
(New right) Murray - what have overgenerous welfare benefits created?
an underclass and a dependency culture
(New right) Murray - what has there been increase in?
unemployed people who don’t want to work
single mothers married to the state unable to adequately socialise children
(New right) what is Murray’s solution?
reduce benefits forcing disadvantaged groups to support themselves
(New right) criticisms of Murray - what have studies shown about attitudes of the underclass?
few have the attitudes murray described
many want to go out and work
(New right) what have Murray’s ideas influenced?
government policy
(New right) criticism of Murray - who does he blame?
the victims
(New right) criticism of Murray - who do Marxists and Weberian sociologists see to blame?
the capitalist system creating inequality and poverty
(New right) Criticism - Wilkinson and Pickett found a correlation between high levels of inequality and what?
high levels of social and health issues
(New right) Criticism - Wilkinson and Pickett say high income inequality means what for those at the bottom?
low status
affecting physical and mental wellbeing
(New right) Criticism - Wilkinson and Pickett say low status leads to shame, encouraging what?
crime
(New right) Criticism - Wilkinson and Pickett say high levels of inequality are not what?
functional
societies with less inequality function better
