Functionalists

Question 1

1

Answer 1

Functionalists such as Davis and Moore agree with the New Right view that inequality is inevitable in society. They believe different roles in society are given different levels of rewards because they are seen as being more functionally important e.g. Dr earn high wages

the greatest talents/skills will receive the greatest rewards as this ensures that the needs of society are met e.g. Dr’s are highly rewarded because their work is functionally very important for society.
Moreover, there is a value consensus in society and people accept inequality as they realise that successful people have achieved their positions on merit

meritocracy exists as they also believe equality of opportunity exists; therefore inequality is legitimate.

Question 2

A03

Answer 2

Critics of Functionalism, such as Tumin, argue that it is subjective to claim that some jobs are more functionally important than others e.g. is a doctor really worth a lot more in pay that a nurse?