Question

How does a functionalist understand social stratification? How does conflict theorist understand social stratification? (Min 1 page)

Answer 1

FUNCTIONALIST THEORY OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

The functionalists, Parsons and Kingsley Davis approach the problem of inequality from the perspective of society viewing it as an integral part of the human society. According to Kingsley Davis, social inequality is an unconsciously evolved device by which societies ensure that the most important positions are filled by the most qualified persons.

The functionalism theory looks at the society as a system of interconnected parts woven to work independently. In simple terms, each part of the society works together but they may be different things at the same time. A society includes certain structures as a family, work, education and other institutions and organizations. The approach suggests that all these structures work together but independently maintaining harmony and balance. According to functionalism, social problems arise when one system fails to function which results in the malfunctioning of the other structures because all the structures come under the same broad umbrella of a society.

The overall goal of the various structures (parts) is to maintain harmony in society.

Functionalists believe that there is a certain need for social inequality as it fulfils the vital system needs. According to Kinsley Davis and Wilbert Moore, inequality is universal and is present in every society. Thus, the universal nature of stratification according to them meant that it is not only unavoidable but also necessary for the effortless functioning of the society. According to the Davis-Moore Thesis, society is stratified because there is a need for it and the inequality fulfils the important requirement of all social systems. It is the duty of the society to allocate different positions in societies. In order to do this, people have to be motivated so that they perform their duties. Once the positions are filled, people get paid according to their position and the type of work they do. The positions that people get are not equal in terms of the work they do, payment or even the interest. Social positions have varying degrees of functional importance. It is seen that the people who are more talented get highly paid positions and people who are less talented get lower paid jobs.

Basically, the rich and powerful individuals in the society secure a higher rank as they have more talent and skills and they are an asset to the society in contributing financially. The functionalist explanation implies that the most important jobs have the highest incomes and the least important jobs the lowest incomes.

For example, the CEO of a company will be paid 100000$ and a fresher in the same company will be paid 1000$. The CEO according to the functionalist theory will be more skilled and equipped to handle the entire company and train the subordinates.

CONFLICT THEORY OF STRATIFICATION

Conflict theory is a theoretical framework which sees society as divided by inequality and conflict. Society is characterized by prevalent inequality based on social class, race, gender, and other factors. Conflict theorists see society as a platform where there are conflict and the constant struggle for power. Conflict theory is based on the assumption of ‘Survival of the fittest’. Instead of people working together to further the goals of the "social system," people are seen achieving their will at the expense of others. The theory was suggested by Karl Marx. He said that the division of society is divided into two broad classes of people--the "haves" and the "have-nots" and “have-nots” are beneficial to the owners of the means of production. The workers, who may earn only survival wages, are denied access to the many resources available to the wealthy owners. Conflict theory in its various forms views social problems as arising from society’s inherent inequality. Depending on which version of conflict theory is being considered, the inequality contributing to social problems is based on social class, race and ethnicity, gender, or some other dimension of society’s hierarchy. Because any of these inequalities represents a fundamental flaw in society, conflict theory assumes that fundamental social change is needed to address society’s many social problems.

Conflict theorists are profoundly condemning of social stratification, affirming that it benefits just a few people, not all of society. For example, to a conflict theorist, it appears to be wrong that a ballplayer is paid millions for a yearly contract while a government-funded teacher gains $35,000 a year. Stratification, conflict theorists accept, propagates imbalance. Conflict theorists attempt to convey attention to disparities, for example, how a rich society can have such a large number of poor individual.

For example, a family whose family income is moderately sufficient can provide their kin with a good education, the kin inherit the family wealth and the cycle continues. Whereas a family where both parents have mediocre jobs will not be able to give their kin a good education as compared to a wealthy family hence, the kin will find similar jobs as the parents and the seemingly inescapable cycle continues.

Conflict theory can also be understood by the pay gap between the sexes. Male employees are paid more than the female employees in most of the organisation. The reason is just that the organization wants to maintain a hierarchy, a superior and a dominant sex. Conflict arises between the sexes and an anti-thesis relationship gets built in an organization.Conflict theory works on spreading awareness of the inequality and wanted to question the existence of this inequality.