Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary concern of functionalists regarding social stratification?
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?
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?
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?
What keeps the conflict between highly rewarded and less rewarded individuals in check?
What is the primary relationship between social groups in functionalist theory?
What is the primary relationship between social groups in functionalist theory?
How do functionalists believe social stratification is derived?
How do functionalists believe social stratification is derived?
What is the view of functionalists on the justice of stratification systems?
What is the view of functionalists on the justice of stratification systems?
How does Talcott Parsons explain the existence of inequalities in power and prestige?
How does Talcott Parsons explain the existence of inequalities in power and prestige?
According to Parsons, what happens to those who perform successfully based on society's values?
According to Parsons, what happens to those who perform successfully based on society's values?
According to Davis and Moore, what is a functional prerequisite for the survival of social systems?
According to Davis and Moore, what is a functional prerequisite for the survival of social systems?
What is viewed as legitimate authority according to Parsons?
What is viewed as legitimate authority according to Parsons?
What is a key assumption of functionalists regarding social stratification in complex societies?
What is a key assumption of functionalists regarding social stratification in complex societies?
Which attribute of society is emphasized by the functionalist view of social stratification?
Which attribute of society is emphasized by the functionalist view of social stratification?
What mechanism do Davis and Moore argue is needed for effective role allocation?
What mechanism do Davis and Moore argue is needed for effective role allocation?
What does Parsons believe is essential for coordination among a specialized division of labor?
What does Parsons believe is essential for coordination among a specialized division of labor?
What do functionalists argue about the role of stratification in society?
What do functionalists argue about the role of stratification in society?
What are the two main contending classes identified by Marx in a capitalist society?
What are the two main contending classes identified by Marx in a capitalist society?
What does Marx suggest will ultimately happen to class societies?
What does Marx suggest will ultimately happen to class societies?
According to Marx, what must the proletariat do to liberate itself as a class?
According to Marx, what must the proletariat do to liberate itself as a class?
What historical transformation led to the rise of capitalism according to Marx?
What historical transformation led to the rise of capitalism according to Marx?
What term does Marx use to describe the final class in the evolution of class struggle?
What term does Marx use to describe the final class in the evolution of class struggle?
What is the primary vested interest of the owners of capital in a capitalist society according to Marx?
What is the primary vested interest of the owners of capital in a capitalist society according to Marx?
How does Marx define the outcome of the struggle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie?
How does Marx define the outcome of the struggle between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie?
What role does the middle class play in Marx's analysis of class conflict?
What role does the middle class play in Marx's analysis of class conflict?
What is the historic role of the working class in the transition to socialism?
What is the historic role of the working class in the transition to socialism?
According to the content, what is necessary for the transfer of state power from the capitalist class?
According to the content, what is necessary for the transfer of state power from the capitalist class?
Which critic argues that Marx's theory leads to the denial of cooperation among social classes?
Which critic argues that Marx's theory leads to the denial of cooperation among social classes?
What does T.B. Bottomore suggest about the significance Marx placed on social class?
What does T.B. Bottomore suggest about the significance Marx placed on social class?
What does Sorokin claim about the historical significance of class struggle?
What does Sorokin claim about the historical significance of class struggle?
What do Aron and Lipset argue regarding class antagonism in an advancing economy?
What do Aron and Lipset argue regarding class antagonism in an advancing economy?
What impact does Bottomore believe social services and employment have on revolution?
What impact does Bottomore believe social services and employment have on revolution?
What is the main concern that critics express about Marx's theory of class struggle?
What is the main concern that critics express about Marx's theory of class struggle?
What did Marx argue regarding social inequality?
What did Marx argue regarding social inequality?
According to Weber, how does social stratification manifest?
According to Weber, how does social stratification manifest?
What is class stratification based on?
What is class stratification based on?
What happens when wealth continues to concentrate in society?
What happens when wealth continues to concentrate in society?
How does a cultural rift enter into class stratification?
How does a cultural rift enter into class stratification?
What did Erik Olin Wright aim to achieve with his class schemata?
What did Erik Olin Wright aim to achieve with his class schemata?
What is accurately stated about social mobility?
What is accurately stated about social mobility?
What is referred to as 'empty spaces' in class structure?
What is referred to as 'empty spaces' in class structure?
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.
Weber's Theory of Social Stratification
- 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.
Social Class Stratification
- 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.
