Functionalist Theory of Social Stratification

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Questions and Answers

What does Parsons believe about the functionalist theory of stratification?

It is only applicable to modern societies.

It lacks a system for evaluating individual qualities.

It discourages the ranking of status groups.

It is universal across all societies. (correct)

According to Davis and Moore, what justifies the unequal distribution of rewards in a society?

Everyone has equal access to resources.

The random allocation of positions.

The intelligence of individuals is purely hereditary.

The relative importance of functional positions. (correct)

What criticism does Melvin M. Tumin make against Davis and Moore's theory on social stratification?

Functional importance can be easily measured.

Power and not functional importance influences reward distribution. (correct)

Stratification systems are universally beneficial.

Intelligence is equally distributed among all individuals.

What is one measure of importance that Davis and Moore use to assess a position's significance?

The degree of functional uniqueness of the position. Signup and view all the answers

What do Davis and Moore argue provides motivation to other societal members?

The anticipation of higher positions and rewards. Signup and view all the answers

What is one argument Tumin presents regarding intelligence and functional roles?

Many people possess the intelligence to perform important roles. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does Tumin suggest about the system of stratification?

It can lead to hostility and division within society. Signup and view all the answers

What do Davis and Moore argue is necessary for effective role allocation in society?

An organized system of social stratification. Signup and view all the answers

What do functionalists argue is essential for the survival of society?

A mechanism for effective role allocation and performance Signup and view all the answers

According to Talcott Parsons, how is social stratification derived?

From common values shared within society Signup and view all the answers

What does the functionalist perspective suggest about the ranking of individuals in society?

It reflects a society's rewards for conformity to values Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist emphasized the functional necessity of social stratification?

Talcott Parsons Signup and view all the answers

What role does shared values play in effective social stratification, according to Parsons?

They justify unequal rewards and status Signup and view all the answers

How do functionalists view the conflict between highly rewarded and lowly rewarded individuals?

As justified by common societal values Signup and view all the answers

What does Parsons claim is the outcome of social stratification in functional terms?

It helps in managing social order effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is the main critique that Weber has against Marx's theory of social stratification?

Marx's analysis is overly simplistic and reduces society to economic factors. Signup and view all the answers

According to functionalists, what determines the level of respect society attaches to individuals?

The rarity and functional importance of their positions Signup and view all the answers

According to Weber, what three aspects constitute the basis of social stratification?

Economic, Political, and Social Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Marx's theory of social stratification has been criticized?

Its ignorance of socio-cultural factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of the capitalist society according to Marx's theory?

Polarization and pauperization of classes Signup and view all the answers

How does Weber's approach to social stratification differ from that of Marx?

Weber acknowledges multiple factors beyond just economic ones. Signup and view all the answers

What significant outcome does Marx predict will result from the class struggle?

The achievement of a classless society. Signup and view all the answers

Which class distinction does Marx primarily focus on in his analysis?

Bourgeois vs. Proletariat Signup and view all the answers

What are the three orders of power described by Weber?

Class, Status, and Party Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for social stratification according to Marx?

Class structure and relationship to production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the major classes in Marxist theory?

Ruling class and subject class Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, what role do social institutions play in society?

They uphold the interests of the ruling class Signup and view all the answers

Which epoch does Marx describe as having no division into major classes?

Primitive communism Signup and view all the answers

What does Marx identify as the main aim of production?

Profit Signup and view all the answers

In Marxist theory, what is seen as the cause of class emergence?

Private property and specialized labor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a basis for defining a class in Marxist theory?

Income level Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant contradiction highlighted in Marx's view of social classes?

The conflict between ruling class exploitation and subject class resistance Signup and view all the answers

What primary aspect does the dialectical approach focus on in social stratification?

The alteration of social structures Signup and view all the answers

According to Weber, what are the three aspects manifested in social stratification?

Economic, political, and social factors Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective argues that social stratification leads to both upward and downward mobility?

Dialectical approach Signup and view all the answers

What does Karl Marx emphasize as crucial to his theory of stratification?

The significance of economic structures Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the functionalist perspective on social structures?

Equilibrium and harmony among structures are prioritized. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Focuses on the functional importance of social roles in society.
Argues that every system needs mechanisms to ensure effective role allocation and performance.
Stratification system fulfills this function.
Highlights the importance of prestige attached to social positions.

Talcott Parsons

Argues that social stratification stems from shared societal values.
Those who align with these values are ranked higher and rewarded accordingly.
Different societies have different value systems, leading to variations in their stratification systems.
Parsons considers stratification to be a just and legitimate expression of shared values.
The degree of respect for individuals is directly linked to the value and functional importance of their positions.
Positions of high respect and power are usually scarce, leading to competition for their occupation.
Individuals are ranked higher or lower based on the societal value assigned to their positions.
Common values serve as a buffer against potential conflicts arising from unequal reward distribution.
Claims stratification is a functional and inevitable aspect of society.
All societies have a system for evaluating individual qualities and performance.

Kingsley Davis and W.E. Moore

View social stratification as a natural outcome of societal demands.
Emphasize the crucial role of stratification in efficient role allocation and performance.
Certain societal positions require specialized skills and training.
The system aims to match functionally important positions with individuals possessing the necessary skills and intelligence.
Importance of a position is measured by:
- Uniqueness of the function: No other position can substitute for it.
- Dependence: Other positions rely on the specific position in question.
The unequal distribution of rewards is justified by the relative importance of functional positions and the skills/ intelligence of those occupying them.
The system motivates individuals to strive for higher positions and rewards.

Melvin M. Tumin

Critiques Davis and Moore's perspective.
Counters that the functional importance of a position is subjective, open to different interpretations.
Argues that power, not functional importance, primarily influences reward distribution.
Challenges the notion that only a select few possess the intelligence to fulfill functionally important roles.
Doubts that unequal reward distribution consistently motivates talented individuals.
The stratification system can be dysfunctional, fostering hostility and division over reward distribution.

Based on social conflict.
Product of industrial capitalism.
Economic factors are central to understanding social stratification.
Focuses on the relationship between social groups and the forces of production.
Three key elements:
- System of Production
- Class Structure
- Class struggle

Key Concepts:

Class: A social group united by their relationship to the forces of production.
Ruling Class: Owns and controls the means of production.
Subject Class: Exploited and oppressed by the ruling class.
Contradiction: The inherent tension between the ruling and subject class.
Resolution: Common ownership of the means of production.
Institutions: Serve the interests of the ruling class.

Marx's Historical Stages:

Primitive Communism: No class division.
Ancient Society: Masters (ruling class) and slaves (subject class).
Feudal Society: Lords (ruling class) and serfs (subject class).
Capitalist Society: Capitalists(ruling class) and wage workers (subject class).
Exploitation: The ruling class exploits the subject class in every stage.

Class Formation:

Private Property: The existence of private property leads to the emergence of classes.
Division of Labor: Specialized division of labor creates distinct class relationships.

Capitalist Society:

Exploitation of Labor: Labor is the primary source of profit.
Alienation, Pauperization, and Polarization: Characteristic features of capitalism leading to class struggle.

Critiques Karl Marx's economic determinism.
Acknowledges the importance of economic factors, but emphasizes a multi-dimensional approach.
Unequal distribution of power is the foundation of social stratification.
Power has three dimensions:
- Economic: Reflected in class.
- Political: Reflected in status.
- Social: Reflected in party.
These dimensions are interconnected and influence each other.
Social stratification is a dynamic and complex phenomenon.

Key Differences:

Marx: Emphasizes economic factors determining social stratification.
Weber: Acknowledges economic power but expands to include political and social power.

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Description

Explore the Functionalist perspective on social stratification as presented by Talcott Parsons. This quiz delves into how social roles, shared values, and prestige interact within societal structures. Understand the mechanisms of role allocation and the legitimacy of stratification in different societies.