Functionalist Theories Flashcards
What to Functionalists believe regarding Inequality?
It is functional and normal.
Society is a system of hierarchy and differences in wealth and income can be explained by difference in the abilities of the people. Looked at Social Darwinism (survival of the fittest).
Durkheim
Inequality is necessary as it gives individuals appropriate aspirations. People are able to gain wealth and status through hard work, but due to their position in society they know their limits, and therefore have a goal to work towards. Someone whose parents are cleaners are unlikely, for instance, to become a doctor, but are able to rise in status through attaining a job such as a builder.
Evaluation of Durkheim
His theory assumed society is meritocratic when much evidence exists to show those born in rich families have an advantage in getting the top jobs, not an equal opportunity.
Useful in influencing the development of the New Right views of equality.
Davis and Moore
Inequality allocates people their roles in society. It is necessary because there must be higher incentives to encourage the most intelligent and hard working people to reach for the most important jobs, as an example a doctor, whose role requires high qualifications and is extremely valuable to society.
Davis & Moore Evaluation
Ignores the role of nurses and teachers who fill important roles in society however are not highly rewarded. Less important roles like footballers earn more.
Also many talented people choose lower paid jobs, valuing helping people over wealth.
Parsons Assimilation
Assimilation Theory- Social inequality causes ethnic minorities to adopt British values. Parsons explains that large waves of immigration causes anxiety amongst the British population who hold a value consensus and therefore they are not treated equally. This inequality causes the minorities to assimilate into British culture, meaning they are then accepted into society.
Parsons Gender Role Theory Evaluation
Assimilation Theory- it is not due to the need for the Ethnic minorities to assimilate, it is due to Racism.
Furthermore, many ethnic minorities are trying to assimilate into Btitish society, but still experience racism from groups such as the young BNP.
One could however argue that Parson’s theory is useful in that is provided an explanation for how ethnic inequality is functional for society, a stance not often taken by Sociologists.
Cummins and Henry
Disengagement Theory.
They believe that age inequality is an essential part of society. The elderly need to disengage from the workplace in order to make room for younger workers. This can be different for men and women who play different gender roles.
Criticism of Cummins and Henry
Disengagement Theory
Fails to account for jobs such as being a Judge or a Magistrate, which requires years of training, thus the more experienced you are, the better you can fulfill the role. Also ignores the emotional impact on the elderly, who may want to work.
New workers do however, provide new ideas.
Parsons Gender Role Theory
Gender inequality is necessary because modern society needs some groups to take on instrumental roles and others need to be caregivers. Therefore, socialising boys and girls into these roles is a healthy way for society to function.
Parsons Gender Role Theory Evalustion
Parsons fails to explain why girls have to be the caregiver and boys need to take on the instrumental role- it could be the other way round. In addition to this, each gender could fulfill both roles. Many families function well with single parents, showing that Parsons’ theory isn’t necessarily correct.
