Functionalists: AGAINST

Question 1

TUMIN

Answer 1

Criticises Davis & Moore:

(1) no objective definition of functional importance of jobs, low-paid cleaner just as important as surgeon.
(2) lack of equality of opportunity so role allocation not meritocratic.
(3) Some have power to secure high pay rather than based on value consensus. (4) Money not the only motivator.

Question 2

Postmodernists: PAKULSKI & WATERS

Answer 2

Class is dead, stratification & identity is now about how money is spent rather than how it is earned.

Question 3

POSTMODERNISTS

Answer 3

Society has changed so much it is not possible to come up with a complete theory of society so structural approaches outdated. Collective identities based on class less likely & postmodern stratification based on lifestyle & consumption choices as people pick & mix.

Question 4

Feminists: ABBOTT

Answer 4

Sociology has been malestream so research into class inequalities gender-blind. Class scales used male head of household ignoring women’s paid work & so social mobility studies not useful either. Abbott women have lower absolute mobility than men

Question 5

WEBER

Answer 5

Disagrees with idea society is meritocratic and instead argues people have different life chances. 
Stratification results from struggle for scarce resources. Macro level includes economic in class system but also micro factors of status & party all are sources of power impacting on life chances. Privileged try to maintain position but not fixed at macro level as changeable through actions of individuals.

Question 6

MARXIST

Answer 6

Capitalism creates class conflict. Bourgeoisie exploit labour power of proletariat giving them economic power so they can shape society in a way that maintains their privileged position. Superstructure ensures proletariat have false class consciousness.