Functionalist Class Inequality

Question 1

What are the 4 explanations of social class inequality?

Answer 1

1. Social class inequality is inevitable and necessary
2. Social class inequalities create social order
3. Social class inequalities are functional for society
4. Social class inequalities are a reflection of anomic conditions

Question 2

Who said social class inequality is inevitable and necessary?

Answer 2

Parsons

Question 3

Expand on how social class inequality is inevitable and necessary

Answer 3

Social inequality is inevitable feature of social system that requires order and ranking. Promotes the idea of meritocracy as ranking in society is based on value consensus (kinship, achievement etc.) and those who have the more of these qualities are likely to be higher in the system of stratification

Question 4

Who said social class inequalities create social order?

Answer 4

Durkheim

Question 5

Expand on how social class inequalities create social order

Answer 5

Class stratification exits because it is functional or beneficial to social order. This value consensus means members accept the legitimacy of stratification and it is beneficial as it sets limits on competition and aspirations so order is maintained.

Question 6

Who said social class inequalities are functional for society?

Answer 6

Davis and Moore

Question 7

Expand on how social class inequalities are functional for society

Answer 7

Social stratification is functionally necessary as it ensures effective role allocation and performance. It allocates the right people to the most important roles and ensure people in these roles perform to the highest standards.

Question 8

Who said social class inequalities ew a reflection of anomic conditions?

Answer 8

Durkheim

Question 9

Expand on how social class inequalities are a reflection of anomic conditions

Answer 9

Class based inequalities could tilt into instability causing member of society to become morally confused and lose sense of aspiration or desire to contribute to society