Social Class Inequality

Question 1

Davis & Moore (Functionalism)

Answer 1

Main function of social stratification is to ensure the right role allocation and performance of people. It puts people in the right roles by offering them higher rewards, such as income. People in these roles perform to their highest standards.

Question 2

Parsons (Functionalism)

Answer 2

Parsons says in all societies, some individuals are better off than others at achieving things that are seen worthy of reward.
(Key terms include: Meritocracy, value consensus and functions of social stratification)

Question 3

Murray (New Right)

Answer 3

Believes welfare benefits created a ‘dependency culture’ and gave the poor no motivation to better themselves. He saw that the underclass drained taxpayers money and tended to socialise their children badly too. This leads to crime and underachievement at school.