SOSC 103D Social Inequality in HK Lecture 3: Explanation of Inequality - Functionalist Approach

L3: Basic Concepts Social Differences Social Ordering and Ranking Evaluation of the Ranking Who/ How to apply a meaning to the differences and the order Who make the judgment on how people should be ranked ** The meaning and judgment determine the distribution of resources, prestige & privilege

L3: Major Assumptions of Functionalist Theory Inequality is inevitable in our society Human beings are social animals Resources are limited Individuals are different

L3: Productions Division of labour International division of labour Gender division of labour

L3: Allocation and Selection Allocate people into different positions/ jobs Select the most able and suitable people to important positions Therefore, we need systems of social ordering and ranking

L3: Distribution We face a problem of motivation People need motivation to do the jobs which are more difficult, need more skills and training Distribute the resources and services according to the importance of positions

L3: Functionalist Theory Major Arguments: Different importance of positions in society Limited number of talented people Sacrifice for training Differential reward as attraction Reward is attached to the positions Social inequality is positively functional and inevitable

L3: Functionalist Theory

L3: Critique of the Theory Functional importance?! No standard measure of importance and contribution Difficult to define and compare the importance Rewards of certain positions do not necessarily reflect their actual importance

L3: Think about it! Their contributions to the survival of society

L3: Think about it! Relations between importance and rewards