class inequality Flashcards
Social class inequality is inevitable and necessary - Parsons
inequality is inevitable in a social system that requires ranking and order. It is based on a value consensus where everyone is in a general agreement about who deserves the highest rewards. The values are kinship, achievement, possessions, personal qualities and authority. The higher ranking and value you have results in higher rewards. We all agree these qualities are of high value.
Social class inequality creates social order - Durkheim
Class stratification exists because it is beneficial to social order. Society is characterised by having divisions of labour in which people have varying functions skills and abilities. People are content in their positions because they believe in its moral worth. This value consensus means accept their legitimacy of stratification and low wage. This sets limits and competition meaning we cannot compete for everything and so order is maintained
Social class inequality is functional for society - Davis and Moore
effective role allocation and performance allows the most positions to be filled with the most talented/qualified, by offering the highest rewards. class societies are meritocracies where high income and status are guaranteed in order to motivate gifted people. stratification encourages to work best of ability The most important roles are functionally important and have a degree of dependency on others. Society sifts people into jobs
Social class inequality is a reflection of anomic conditions - Durkheim
Class inequalities are a reflection of dysfunction. A stable society needs a healthy level of inequality. class inequalities can tilt into Instability leads to a high level of unemployment, wage stagnation or a decrease in GDP. In times of significant social and economic upheaval, society can become morally confused and lack direction. So they lose any sense of aspiration, morality or desire to contribute to society experiencing anomie, leading to large swathes of society slipping into poor standards of living , with little hope to improve
