Class: Functionalism

Question 1

Davis and Moore:

Answer 1

• Stratification is functionally necessary
• The main function of stratification is to ensure effective role allocation and performance

Question 2

Davis and Moore: Stratification does 2 things:

Answer 2

1. Allocates the correct people to the most important positions. This means that the most important roles are filled by the most able which means they are offered the highest rewards
2. Ensures that people in these roles perform to the highest standard. People in important roles have people who are dependent on them. It’s important to motivate them for the good of a whole organisation

Question 3

Davis and Moore: 2 factors that show what roles are most important:

Answer 3

1. Functional uniqueness = If only a small amount of people can carry out this job. E.g. Only one surgeon who can perform a particular technique
2. The degree of dependence of others = Many people are dependent on someone doing their job. E.g. Doctors and nurses are dependent on orders from the lead surgeon

Question 4

Tumin: Critique of Davis and Moore

Answer 4

Difficult to determine the functional importance of a position = You could argue that those cleaning the operating theatres are just as important to patient survival as the surgeons. The idea that the surgeon is the most important is just an opinion not a fact.

No consensus about rewards = There is lots of conflict about the unequal distribution of rewards. E.g. the distribution of income

Reflects power = High paying jobs often show someone’s power to ensure they are in that position rather than agreement from the whole of society that they deserve the high-power jobs.

The pool of talent = Davis and Moore suggest that there are only small amounts of people who are able to perform in high position jobs. However Tumin argues that many people could do these jobs, they’ve just not been given an opportunity

Motivation = Davis and Moore think that only monetary gains help motivate people. However some may be motivated by the sense of service.

Question 5

Parsons:

Answer 5

Parsons:
- Society works best when there is an agreement over shared values
- Social class is an example of value consensus
- Some social classes are rewarded for being better than others, rather than being awarded for achieving things
- An entrepreneur and executives run businesses which create wealth and jobs
- These top jobs deserve the most reward as they contribute the most to society