functionalism

Question 1

how do functionalists view inequality?

Answer 1

Functionalist theorists believe that inequality is inevitable and plays an important function in society.
- inequality is functional
- inequality helps motivate
- meritocracy - people can work their way up the hierarchy with hard work and talent
- stratification is functional

Question 2

davis and moore - meritocracy

Answer 2

firm believers of meritocracy, they believe that everyone has an equal chance to achieve their full potential if they work hard enough without being discriminated against of the grounds of social class, gender and ethnicity

Question 3

young - meritocracy

Answer 3

those at the top of society deserve to be there as they are more hardworking and able
likewise, those at the bottom of society deserve it as they are less hardworking and able and therefore do not rise to the top
this means that society is fair as we all have an equal chance of success

Question 4

Durkheim - stratification

Answer 4

says that stratification keeps society stable
everyone has a role to fulfill in life - this gives indiviuduals meaning, and prevents suicide and social disorder/anomie as we feel as though we are more integrated into society

Question 5

parsons - gender inequality

Question 6

human capital theory

Question 7

parsons - age inequality

Question 8

eisenstadt

Question 9

saunders

Question 10

spender