Functionalist Theory Of Class Inequality Flashcards
1
Q
What are the four explanations of class inequality?
A
- Social class inequality is inevitable and necessary
- Social class inequalities create social order
- Social class inequalities are functional for society
4, social class inequalities are a reflection of anomic conditions
2
Q
Who said social class inequality is inevitable and necessary?
A
- parsons
3
Q
What does parsons say?
A
- social inequality is an inevitable feature of a social system that requires order and ranking
- ranking based on value consensus and what society deems valuable, reaping highest rewards
4
Q
Who said social class inequalities create social order?
A
- Durkheim
5
Q
What did Durkheim say about social order?
A
- class stratification exists because it is functional or beneficial to social order
- society characterised by specialised division of labour where people have different functions, skills and abilities for society to run smoothly
6
Q
Who said social class inequalities are functional for society?
A
- Davis and Moore
7
Q
What did Davis and Moore say?
A
- social stratification has been a feature of all human society and is functionally necessary to ensure effective role allocation and performance
8
Q
Who said social class inequalities are a reflection of anomic conditions?
A
- Durkheim
9
Q
What did Durkheim say about anomic conditions?
A
- in times of significant social and economic change, members of society can become morally confused leading to individuals in society losing sense of aspiration, morality or desire to contribute to society (facing anomie)
