Functionalism + inequality

Question 1

Word definition of Organic analogy

Answer 1

institutions function like a human body

everything needs to function or there will be normlessness = anomie)

Question 2

Word definition of Meritocracy

Answer 2

rewarded for hard work

Question 3

Word definition of Functional perquisites

Answer 3

things society needs in order to work

Question 4

Durkheim

Answer 4

Shared norms and values

Social cohesion = funerals, weddings, charity events bringing us together

Shared consciousness = religious gatherings, sporting events, the same tv programs

Question 5

Functional perquisites

Answer 5

Basic needs to function in society
Lists needs such as food and shelter

Inequality motivates people to work hard

Question 6

Functions of poverty

Answer 6

Act as incentive for hard work
To do awful jobs no one wants to
To make us feel better ourselves

Question 7

Key points

Answer 7

Functionalists = consensus view of society
Believe people work together for common good = organic analogy
Inequality of whole groups in social structure = stratification
Func believe stratification is useful/positive for society
The best people get the best jobs - are talented/work harder (meritocracy)
Structural theory - explain the social world referencing main structures, systems and institutions

Question 8

Parsons

Answer 8

high status is a reward for conforming to societies values
- Inevitable system of hierarchies

Stratification – reinforces collective goals of society, establishing order and preventing anomie

However – many would criticise this as they see stratification as a dividing tool rather than an integrating force

Question 9

Davies and Moore

Answer 9

Stratification = important for society as it provides a mechanism for role allocation

inequality in all societies, so inequality must be necessary for society/good

Most important = highest pay
Allows society to sift and sort people into different job

Question 10

Spencer

Answer 10

Darwinism - idea of survival of the fittest within animal kingdom, the strongest survive (those working hard) should be rewarded with wealth and power

the weak should be punished or controlled
Free market

Question 11

Saunders

Answer 11

agrees with Davis and Moore
willing to work hard, you will succeed

Critiscise: 100 people have the same wealth as 18 million

Question 12

Marshall and Swift

Answer 12

critical of Saunders, arguing social class has a significant impact on class destinations

Question 13

Breen and Goldthorpe

Answer 13

accuse Saunders of ignoring the plight of the unemployed
often trapped in a cycle of opportunity and deprivation
Middle class can buy tutors and pay for private schools

Question 14

Marxists argue…

Answer 14

no chance of people from periphery of society to move up in society , regardless of ability – social inequality can cause conflict

Question 15

Feminists argue…

Answer 15

gender inequality is built into social structures and many people do not even recognise it occurs

Question 16

Tumin

Answer 16

Criticises Davies + Moore

• provide rich people with ideology that justifies their greed and selfishness
• Education needed to get the job = sacrifice, compensated by a good high payed job
• For many education is a time of enjoyment

Question 17

Criticisms of Davies and Moore

Answer 17

X Circular argument = it argues inequality is good because it exists 
X Difficult to decide the functional  importance of any job are musicians and footballers more important that nurses 
X Are those at the top the most talented, the middle class are more likely to afford tutors/private schools 
X Some people do their job not just for money – help others/be creative

Question 18

General criticisms of Functionalism - what does Kendall et al point out?

Answer 18

func approach ignores questions of structural inequality, racial discrimination, lack of job opportunities and the inadequate funding of many schools all contribute to inequality in society

Question 19

Usefulness of Functionalism

Answer 19

believe poor people brought their difficult situations upon themselves
poverty = encourages hard work (Spencer)
living on benefits were deemed ‘lazy’ and the term ‘dole scrounger’
New Right would not see poor as the victim, it is their own fault they are poor