THEORIES – Functionalism and Marxism Both theories are macro theories / structural – concerned with the structure of society

Functionalism is based on the notion that society is based on shared values socialisation

Durkheim - industrialised societies are complex and require specialists to undertake various jobs division of labour = status

Through socialisation these differences would be seen as fair and not questioned.

Talcott Parsons Stratification and therefore inequality exists on the basis of which roles are agreed to be the most important = More functional for society People have a number of roles – ‘expressive’ role ‘instrumental’ role

Davis and Moore: the most talented people need to be paid more and have higher status. This is only fair. Because of meritocracy the most able will, through the education system, be allocated the most important jobs. Exam system will ‘sift and sort’ people – role allocation

agree very much with the functionalist view. THE NEW RIGHT agree very much with the functionalist view. They argue there is meritocracy but some people just do not have the motivation to work hard and so end up in low status jobs or as part of the underclass.

Marxism is based on the writings of Karl Marx. ‘the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles’ (Communist Manifesto, 1848).

Two main classes Marx suggested that there were two main classes - The owners of the means of production ? Those who that sell their labour power ? The government act on behalf of the owners. The grave of Karl Marx Highgate cemetary, London

One way that the ruling class persuade the people that the inequalities are fair and just is via the various elements of the superstructure (the various agents of socialisation such as the family and education)