social stratification

Question 1

Davis & Moore

Answer 1

Believed that 1. all roles must be filled
2. they must be filled by those best able to perform them
3. necessary training must take place
4. roles must be performed conscientiously.

Believed that social stratification ensures that it is done by motivating people to achieve their best for rewards; e.g achieve academically for better job opportunities. Believed that each class is needed to perform different functions in society.

Argued that if everyone had the same opportunities and rewards not enough people would be motivated enough to fill all the needed roles in society.

Question 2

Marxist view

Answer 2

Believe that social stratification is a result of class struggle and is not a neutral or natural part of society. According to Marxists, stratification is used by the bourgeoise to ensure all important roles in society are filled by loyal people who will maintain the status quo.

Question 3

Feminist view

Answer 3

Feminists believe social stratification is gendered and supports patriarchy, as well as that it intersects with other forms of oppression, such as racism or classism. Marginalised groups experience social stratification differently than white middle-class men and face additional barriers to upwards mobility.

Question 4

Weber

Answer 4

Agrees on material class system but expands on it with power and prestige.

Introduced sources of power:
charismatic (devotion to a leader who has exceptional qualities), traditional (based on established customs and inherited status) and rational legal (based on the acceptance of shared impersonal rules).

3 things define a person’s identity; class, prestige(respect) and power(political dimension & pressure)

Question 5

Walby

Answer 5

“Theorising patriarchy”;