Class Inequality- Functionalism & New Right

Question 1

What Functionalists discuss social class inequality?

Answer 1

Parsons - smooth running society
Davis and Moore - right role allocation

Question 2

What does Parsons say about causes for class inequality?

Answer 2

In a meritocracy, those who contribute to a smooth running society by creating wealth and jobs deserve high rewards.

Question 3

What two sociologists talk about right role allocation?

Answer 3

Davis and Moore

Question 4

What is the role of social stratification according to Davis and Moore?

Answer 4

Ensure right role allocation and performance of people, so they perform to a high standard.

Question 5

How can you tell what positions are most important?

Answer 5

1. Functional Uniqueness
2. Degree of dependence

Question 6

What two New Right sociologists talk about social class inequality?

Answer 6

Murray - underclass
Saunders - legal equality and opportunity

Question 7

What does Murray say about the underclass?

Answer 7

• Lazy and drain tax payers money.
• They socialise their children poorly, leading to crime.
• They use the welfare state which creates a ‘dependency culture’.

Question 8

What does Saunders discuss?

Answer 8

• All have right to legal equality and equality of opportunity.
• Critiques left wing govs as they say taxing the rich looses their motivation.

Question 9

How can the functionalists be critiqued?

Answer 9

• Cleaners can be just as important as surgeons in hospital (Tumin)
• Some are paid lots because of their power
• Some may not have the same opportunities, like social deprivation or poverty
• Don’t need to have high pay to be motivated
• Inheritance damage the idea of a meritocracy

Question 10

How can the New Right be critiqued?

Answer 10

• They victim blame.
• A small minority are lazy.
• Can’t assume a meritocracy exists.
• Demonises the poor.