Functionalist Theories Of Inequality Flashcards
Why do functionalists believe we have inequality?
Motivation, role allocation, functional importance, social darwism
Davis and Moore
Effective role allocation and performance
Functional prerequisite
Basic need for society
Social darwism
Strongest people in society become wealthy and powerful whereas the weak are punished and controlled
How do you measure functional importance?
Degree to which a position is functionally unique and there are no other positions that can perform the same function satisfactorily
Degree to which other positions are dependent on the one in question
How does Tumin critique functional importance?
Many occupations which have little reward can be seen as vital to society too
How does Tumin critique rewards?
Differences in pay between occupations may be due to differences in their power e.g. bargaining power
