Theories of Social Stratification

Functional Theory of Social Stratification Basic assumption: Social inequality is universal, therefore inequality must help society survive Social inequality is universal, therefore inequality must help society survive

Aspects of Functionalism Society must make certain that all roles are filled. Society must make certain that all roles are filled. Some roles are more important than others. Some roles are more important than others. Some roles must be filled by more qualified people. Some roles must be filled by more qualified people. To motivate more qualified people, society must offer greater rewards. To motivate more qualified people, society must offer greater rewards.

Critics of functionalism Society does not provide equal access to education and jobs. Society does not provide equal access to education and jobs. Rewards do not always reflect the “social values” of roles. Rewards do not always reflect the “social values” of roles.

Conflict Theory of Social Stratification Basic assumption : Social inequality results from the constant struggle for scare resources.

Aspects of Conflict Theory From the struggle, winners (elite class) and losers (lower class) emerge. From the struggle, winners (elite class) and losers (lower class) emerge. By exploiting the lower class, the elite are able to maintain their dominance in society. By exploiting the lower class, the elite are able to maintain their dominance in society.

Flaws in Conflict Theory Unequal rewards are based in part by differences in talents and skills. Unequal rewards are based in part by differences in talents and skills. Desire to improve and motivation to achieve play a role in mobility among the classes. Desire to improve and motivation to achieve play a role in mobility among the classes. Personal choice of the “payers” not considered. Personal choice of the “payers” not considered.