Functionalist Theory of Social Stratification
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Questions and Answers

A person's behavior is influenced by the behavior of others in similar situations.

True (A)

If you behave rudely toward friends, it will strengthen your friendship.

False (B)

Social values are the shared beliefs of a society.

True (A)

Norms are the fundamental beliefs that guide behavior in a society.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Values and norms in society are the same across all cultures.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The consensus on values helps maintain order and stability in society.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Values are the practices resulting from social norms.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Every society creates its own values to fit its specific needs.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Functionalism views society as an organism with different integrated parts.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In functionalist theory, all parts of society are considered equal in status.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The human body is used as a metaphor in functionalist theory to describe society.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The functionalists believe that all societal roles are equally important in maintaining stability.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to functionalists, societal stratification is unnecessary for social integration.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Functional prerequisites are the basic needs of a society that must be met to avoid instability.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All societal members perform the same functions, according to functionalist theory.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The functionalist approach believes that various occupations contribute to society's functionality.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Values arise from the individual's mind rather than societal consensus.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Order and stability in society are based on the consensus of values.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Stratification in a society is unrelated to its value system.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

People are rewarded based on their adherence to social values.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In some societies, bravery is not considered a valuable trait.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ranking of individuals in society can vary based on different community values.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Stratification exists without a common values system.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Performing poorly according to societal values has no consequences.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Davis and Moore developed the functionalist theory of stratification.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The article titled 'Some Principles of Stratification' was poorly received and not discussed.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Functional prerequisites are necessary for a society to survive and operate effectively.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Davis and Moore, all societal roles must be filled for effective operation.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Davis and Moore claim that the existence of societies does not rely on order and stability.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Positions with different degrees of prestige do not exist in society according to Davis and Moore.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Davis and Moore are students of the eminent sociologist Talcott Parsons.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Only industrialists and managers are needed in a society according to functionalist theory.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In modern societies, achievement values have replaced ascriptive criteria.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Davis and Moore argue that an engineer and a skilled worker are functionally equal.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Social consensus is essential for the survival of the system of occupational stratification.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The higher financial rewards in society are meant to motivate individuals to perform worse.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Davis and Moore believe that positions are ranked based solely on their prestige.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The system of unequal rewards is seen as unnecessary for maintaining order in society.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The dependency of other positions on a certain role is a measure of that role's importance.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Everyone can compete for rewards in modern societies, regardless of their competence.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Social stratification is deemed necessary for the stability of a society.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All individuals in a society believe that the current stratification system is unfair.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Conflicts are prevalent due to the acceptance of the management's superior position over workers.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The value system in a society can prevent major conflicts.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Management positions are perceived as equal to those of the workers in an industrial organization.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Individuals who show leadership qualities are rewarded with higher wages.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A militant trade union completely rejects the idea of management superiority.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Value consensus is an unimportant aspect of maintaining societal order.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Functionalist Theory

A sociological perspective viewing society as an integrated system of parts working together for stability.

Social Structure

The organized patterns of relationships and institutions in society.

Functional Prerequisites

Basic needs a society must meet for survival and stability, like food, order, and security.

Social Stratification

A system in society determining social inequality and ranking among different groups.

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Functionalist view of stratification

Certain social positions are more important and thus ranked higher, and their holders get higher status, which is necessary for societal survival.

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Social Values

Shared beliefs of a society that guide behaviour.

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Social Norms

Rules of behaviour based on social values, dictating how people should act.

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Value Consensus

Agreement within a society on fundamental values and beliefs.

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Social Order/Stability

The state of a society where actions are predictable and controlled by values and norms.

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Individual Behaviour

Actions taken by individuals in reaction to specific situations governed by social norms; behaviours are influenced by how others behave.

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Societal Needs

Requirements or goals a society has that must be met for survival and well-being.

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Social System

An organized structure within a society that determines how people interact and behave; the rules of interaction in a particular society.

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Value System

The set of values maintained by a particular society.

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Social Stratification

The placement or division of members in a society based on their social standings.

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Shared Values

Common beliefs about what's best for society's stability, agreed upon by its members.

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Value-Based Stratification

Social ranking based on a society's shared values, rewarding those aligning with them.

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Social Rewards

Recognition and benefits given by society for aligning with its values and expectations.

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Value System

A set of principles and beliefs guiding societal behaviors and choices.

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Social Order & Stability

The need for societal harmony and consistency, a key societal prerequisite.

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Social Ranking

Placing individuals or groups into different ranks based on societal hierarchies.

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Davis-Moore Theory

A functionalist theory explaining social stratification as necessary for society's smooth functioning.

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Social Stratification

A system determining social inequality and ranking among different social groups.

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Functional prerequisites

Basic needs and activities essential for a society's survival and smooth functioning.

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Importance of social roles

Different social positions or roles hold varying degrees of importance in a society, influencing their rankings.

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Role Allocation

The process of assigning individuals to specific roles and positions in society to ensure smooth functioning.

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Value Consensus

A shared set of beliefs and values within a society, crucial for social stability.

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Social Stratification

The system of social inequalities and rankings within a society.

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Inequality Justification

The process of using values and beliefs to make inequalities seem fair and necessary.

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Social Stability

The state of a society remaining predictable and orderly.

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Industrial Organization Stratification

The hierarchical arrangement of workers and management in industries; skilled workers get more reward.

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Management Superiority

The higher standing given to management roles in businesses, often accepted as normal.

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Conflict Avoidance

Preventing major conflicts by using shared values and beliefs.

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Value System and Stability

The importance of shared values in a society for preventing major social conflicts and maintaining order.

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Achievement values

In modern societies, a person's merit is more important than their birth.

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Functionalist Theory

Views society as an integrated system with parts working together for stability.

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Hierarchical Occupations

Jobs are arranged in order of importance, with higher-level jobs having greater rewards and prestige.

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Higher rewards, Job prestige

Incentivizes people to strive for better performance. This encourages better performance and motivation.

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Social Consensus on Occupations

Shared agreement about the value of different jobs in society.

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Functional Importance of Jobs

The significance of a job in the smooth functioning of society.

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Davis-Moore Thesis

Afunctionalist theory arguing that social inequality is necessary for social order and progress.

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Measuring Functional Importance

Methods, such as dependence on other positions, to determine the importance of a job or position within society.

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Study Notes

Functionalist Theory of Social Stratification

  • This theory, by Parsons and Davis, examines why societies maintain stability and order.
  • Societies strive for stability and order to ensure smooth daily activities.
  • Societies, like organisms, consist of interconnected parts working together.
  • Different parts have different roles, each contributing to the overall stability.

Functionalist Theory of Stratification

  • Functionalists believe all societies are stratified (ranked).
  • Social positions aren't equal; some are more important than others.
  • People performing crucial functions are given higher status.

Talcott Parson's Approach

  • Parsons' analysis focuses on social order and stability.
  • Social systems emerge when individuals interact within a defined context.
  • Interactions are influenced by shared values and norms, which are called value consensus.
  • Social values are beliefs shared by all members concerning what's beneficial for society.
  • Social norms dictate expected behaviors based on values.

Value Consensus and Stratification

  • Values establish stratification by ranking importance and functions.
  • Societal members agree on values and the status accorded to different roles accordingly.
  • Individuals act according to shared values, maintaining social order.
  • This consensus ensures stability and cooperation.

Davis-Moore Theory

  • Developed by Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore.
  • Stratification is essential for society's smooth operation.
  • Important positions require specialized skills and are more highly rewarded.
  • These rewards incentivize individuals to pursue challenging roles and fill critical positions.
  • Scarcity of qualified individuals justifies unequal rewards and greater prestige.

Basic Propositions of Davis-Moore

  • Certain positions are more vital for society than others.
  • Only a limited number of individuals possess the skills required for these crucial roles.
  • Important roles demand extensive training, incurring sacrifice and commitment.
  • Social rewards (like higher pay or prestige) incentivize qualified individuals to fill vital positions.

Criticism of Davis-Moore Theory

  • Rewards may not reflect functional importance (e.g., highly paid but less impactful roles).
  • Functional importance assessment can be subjective and dependent on prevailing values.
  • Power dynamics and social inequality can overshadow functional necessity.
  • Stratification can impede individuals’ access to education and opportunity, potentially limiting talent pool.

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Unit 5 Functionalist Theory PDF

Description

Explore the Functionalist Theory of Social Stratification that emphasizes the roles of different social positions in maintaining societal stability. This quiz covers perspectives by Parsons and Davis, discussing how interconnected parts of society contribute to order and the importance of social norms and values.

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