Functionalist Theory of Social Inequality

Question 1

Class:
social class inequality is inevitable and necessary.

Answer 1

Parsons suggests that social inequality is an inevitable feature of a social system that requires order and ranking. Ranking in society is based on a value consensus about what society values and thus there is general agreement about who deserves the highest rewards the values are:
- kinship
- Achievement
- Possessions
- Personal qualities
- Authority
those with more of these qualities are likely to be higher in the system of stratification, and most importantly, we as a society are fine with this, because we all agree these qualities are high value. Those who are highly valued are rewarded, those who are not, are not.