Functionalist View on Social Class Inequality Flashcards
What do functionalists sociologists accept
That the social structure of capitalist societies like the UK is stratified by class inequalities and differences
What does Parsons argue
That such stratification systems are the product of consensus.
He argues that in Modern societies most members of society agree that those who run businesses are functionally important to both the economy and social order because they create jobs and wealth, so therefore deserve greater economic rewards than ordinary workers
What do Davis and Moore argue
That stratification and inequality perform a positive function for society. This is because if societies are to operate effectively, they have to ensure that their most functionally important and senior positions are filled by people who are talented and efficient
What do Davis and Moore argue that class societies are
They are meritocracies - high rewards in the form of income and status are guaranteed in order to motivate gifted people to make the necessary sacrifices in terms of education and training
What does Stratification therefore do
Encourages all members of society to work to the best of their ability
What do Davis and Moore argue about the important of a social position
That it is determined by two factors:
- Its functional uniqueness, as it can only be carried out by one person or a select few. Like neurosurgeons deserve more pay as they are more skilled than cleaners
- The degree of dependence of others. Like CEOs of large companies deserve a high pay as so many people will rely on their company
What have functionalists exaggerated
The degree of consensus about rewards. There is evidence that substantial resentment exists in the UK society with regard to salaries earned by groups such as MPs.
What is a critique about the higher end of the stratification system
That those at the top is not only occupied by those with functional important jobs. It is also occupied by those who life of inherited wealth, which isn’t necessarily functionally important
What do functionalists rarely acknowledge
The dysfunctions of stratification such as poverty which lowers life expectancy and increases the risk of death from illness. There is some evidence that stratification creates a culture of envy, alienation and resentment that can quickly tun into riots than can undermine social order
What is a critic about Davis and Moore
Davis and Moore imply that higher rewards are required to encourage talented people to make sacrifices by spending long periods of time in education and training. However, some critics have questioned whether three to four years at university merits a lifetime of enhanced income and status
