Functionalism Flashcards
Class
Durkheim
Class stratification existed because it was functional or beneficial to social order. Modern society is characterised by a specialist division of labour in which people have different functions, skills and abilities. It is characterised by social divisions! People are content to take their positions within the division of labour because they believe in its moral worth. This value consensus also means members accept the legitimacy of stratification.
Class
Parsons
Social inequality is functional and an inevitable feature of a social system that requires order and ranking. Ranking is based on a consensus about what society values with regard to:
Kinship – family status
Personal qualities – age, beauty, intelligence etc
Achievement – qualifications and skills
Possessions
Authority
The less of the above skills a person has they more likely they are to face inequality…
Class
Davis and Moore
- All societies should ensure that their most important positions are filled with the most talented people. The most important jobs need the highest rewards meaning society is meritocratic. People’s class position is a fair reflection of their talents. Stratification encourages all members of society to work to the best of their ability.
Gender
Parsons
Women = ‘Expressive’ caring role. Men = ‘Instrumental’ role. Differences are innate, ascribed at birth and contribute to a healthy, smooth running society. Implies that men are more suited to paid employment and women are more suited to domesticity. Women are less motivated and less suited to the labour market than men. Therefore its not surprising that on average they are paid less.
Gender
Murdock
Womens place is within the home as they are biologically different to men – Their job is to child rear due to biological functions – Also they are not as physically strong as men, meaning they are not meant to work/physically exert themselves as labour demands.
Gender
Rastogi
Human Capital Theory - Related to the idea that men and women serve different roles and purposes in society. The pay gap is justified because it reflects the fact that men have more ‘human capital’ than women because of their greater focus on the labour market.Women are less committed to paid work and are more likely to take career breaks or opt for part-time work to continue to care for a family. Many women choose to prioritise their role as homemaker, fitting with their maternal instincts.
Ethnicity
Patterson
The host immigrant model - suggests that culture clashes can occur due to different norms and values of ethnic minority groups (surrounding food, dress etc) - they are seen as ‘alien’ to white British people and therefore they are feared. Patterson argues that when/ if ethnic minorities assimilate they will not face inequalities
Ethnicity
Parsons
Ethnic inequalities are not fault of the system. Discrimination is not the reason for inequalities. And we have different value systems and ideas about what is important in society. Ethnic equalities are temporary and are a result of cultural differences between immigrants and the host nation. The are temporary and will disappear over time as the immigrant groups adapt and adopt the host culture. ASSIMILATION - when a minority group gives up its own culture and values and becomes absorbed into the host culture
Age - youth
Parsons
Argues age related differences contribute to overall functioning of the social system. Differences are key for smooth functioning of society. Age strata are functional for society - Childhood socialises - Adolescence is a stage for developing independence.
Age - youth
Eisenstadt
Argued that differential age groups enable individuals to learn and acquire new social roles and contribute to cohesion and solidarity. Youths’ need to go from ascribed status of child to achieved status of individual adult. Breaking away from the family home is difficult and emotionally stressful. Being part of a subculture provides a forum for the frustrations of this period and process. Suggest youth culture is inherently binding, in that shared interests with peers creates a sense of community.
Age - Middle age
Parsons
Gender roles adopted at middle age – Women = Expressive – Men = Instrumental.
Age - old age
Parsons
The elderly do have lower status/can be disengaged as they abandon some social roles and leave the younger generations to pick up roles.
Age - old age
Cumming and Henry
‘disengagement theory’ - states the process of disengagement from previous social roles is beneficial for social order (disengage from previous social roles and free up jobs for younger people)
