Sociology Theories: Functionalism and Conflict Theory

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary concern of functionalists regarding social stratification?

Its role in promoting social change

Its function in maintaining order and stability (correct)

Its influence on individual behavior

Its impact on social mobility

Which of the following sociologists is associated with the functionalist theory of social stratification?

Emile Durkheim

Wilbert Moore (correct)

Max Weber

Karl Marx

According to functionalist theory, what role does social stratification play in society?

It fosters equality among individuals

It serves vital functions in complex societies (correct)

It impedes social cohesion

It creates social conflict

What keeps the conflict between highly rewarded and less rewarded individuals in check?

Common value system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary relationship between social groups in functionalist theory?

Cooperation and interdependence Signup and view all the answers

How do functionalists believe social stratification is derived?

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

What is the view of functionalists on the justice of stratification systems?

They reflect shared values and are seen as just Signup and view all the answers

How does Talcott Parsons explain the existence of inequalities in power and prestige?

Based on shared values Signup and view all the answers

According to Parsons, what happens to those who perform successfully based on society's values?

They receive rewards and high prestige Signup and view all the answers

According to Davis and Moore, what is a functional prerequisite for the survival of social systems?

Effective role allocation and performance Signup and view all the answers

What is viewed as legitimate authority according to Parsons?

Power accepted as just and proper Signup and view all the answers

What is a key assumption of functionalists regarding social stratification in complex societies?

It is a universal and essential feature Signup and view all the answers

Which attribute of society is emphasized by the functionalist view of social stratification?

Integration and order Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do Davis and Moore argue is needed for effective role allocation?

Social stratification Signup and view all the answers

What does Parsons believe is essential for coordination among a specialized division of labor?

Social inequalities in power and prestige Signup and view all the answers

What do functionalists argue about the role of stratification in society?

It is functional and inevitable Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main contending classes identified by Marx in a capitalist society?

Capitalists and the proletariat Signup and view all the answers

What does Marx suggest will ultimately happen to class societies?

They will undergo class struggle leading to a classless society Signup and view all the answers

According to Marx, what must the proletariat do to liberate itself as a class?

Abolish itself as a class and the capitalist system Signup and view all the answers

What historical transformation led to the rise of capitalism according to Marx?

The conflict between the landed aristocracy and the capitalist class Signup and view all the answers

What term does Marx use to describe the final class in the evolution of class struggle?

Proletariat Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary vested interest of the owners of capital in a capitalist society according to Marx?

Maximizing profit for themselves Signup and view all the answers

How does Marx define the outcome of the struggle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie?

The overthrow of the capitalist class Signup and view all the answers

What role does the middle class play in Marx's analysis of class conflict?

They contribute their labor power and own the means of production Signup and view all the answers

What is the historic role of the working class in the transition to socialism?

To bring about the transition. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is necessary for the transfer of state power from the capitalist class?

Sharp class struggle, the highest form being revolution. Signup and view all the answers

Which critic argues that Marx's theory leads to the denial of cooperation among social classes?

Sorokin. Signup and view all the answers

What does T.B. Bottomore suggest about the significance Marx placed on social class?

It is too exaggerated, overlooking other social relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sorokin claim about the historical significance of class struggle?

It has been acknowledged since Augustine’s writings. Signup and view all the answers

What do Aron and Lipset argue regarding class antagonism in an advancing economy?

Minimal hostility will exist among classes. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does Bottomore believe social services and employment have on revolution?

They prevent revolution by improving living standards. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern that critics express about Marx's theory of class struggle?

It neglects the importance of class cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

What did Marx argue regarding social inequality?

It is primarily related to social class. Signup and view all the answers

According to Weber, how does social stratification manifest?

It shows a more complex and diversified structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is class stratification based on?

Access to resources and power. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when wealth continues to concentrate in society?

Pockets of society with less wealth may develop. Signup and view all the answers

How does a cultural rift enter into class stratification?

By the contrasting behaviors perceived between classes. Signup and view all the answers

What did Erik Olin Wright aim to achieve with his class schemata?

Retain a Marxist approach to class analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What is accurately stated about social mobility?

It allows some individuals to move between classes. Signup and view all the answers

What is referred to as 'empty spaces' in class structure?

Positions occupied in society without altering the class shape. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functionalist Theory

Asserts that social stratification is inevitable and functional for societal survival
Argues that societies need a system to ensure effective role allocation and performance
Key thinkers: Talcott Parsons, Kingsley Davis, Wilbert Moore
States that social stratification is derived from shared values, those who excel in terms of societal values will be highly ranked
Power and prestige inequalities are seen as necessary for coordination and integration of a specialized division of labor

Conflict Theory

Asserts that social stratification is a result of class conflict and struggle for power
Key thinker: Karl Marx
Argues that history is a history of class struggle
Believes that class conflict arises from the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie
Predicts that the proletariat will ultimately overthrow the bourgeoisie and establish a classless society

Criticism of Marxist Theory

Sorokin criticizes Marx's theory for being outdated, ignoring the importance of cooperation between social classes, and for ignoring other types of antagonism.
Raymond Aron and Lipset argue against Marx's theory suggesting that class conflict lessens with economic advancement and the emergence of welfare initiatives.
T.B. Bottomore suggests that Marx overestimates the significance of class and class conflict, neglecting other important social relationships, and that revolution is unlikely due to rising standards of living and evolving attitudes within the working class.

Argues that social stratification is more complex than simply class, incorporating factors such as status and power.
Highlights the importance of economic, natural, cultural, religious, and ideal rifts in shaping class distinctions.
Acknowledges the role of social mobility in allowing individuals to move between classes.

Emphasizes how disparities in access to resources and power create distinct social classes.
Describes how economic inequalities between classes can lead to cultural divisions and a widening gap between the rich and poor.
Views class structure as a set of positions rather than individuals who occupy those positions.

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Description

This quiz explores the key concepts of Functionalist and Conflict theories in sociology. It delves into the ideas of social stratification, role allocation, and class struggle, featuring influential thinkers like Talcott Parsons and Karl Marx. Test your understanding of these foundational theories and their critiques.