Theories of stratification

Overview

Consensus and conflict views, Davis and Moore and Tumin's criticism, meritocracy, Marx on exploitation and false class consciousness, Weber's class, status and party, the NS-SEC, and feminist views.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is social stratification?

   Model answer

   Social stratification is the division of society into layers with unequal wealth, power and status. Class, gender, ethnicity and age are all bases of stratification.

2. 2

   How do consensus and conflict theories disagree about stratification?

   Model answer

   Consensus theorists such as functionalists see stratification as fair, inevitable and useful to society as a whole. Conflict theorists see it as a system that benefits powerful groups at the expense of others.

3. 3

   Who were Davis and Moore, and when did they publish their theory of stratification?

   Model answer

   Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore were American functionalist sociologists. Davis and Moore published their theory of stratification in 1945.

4. 4

   According to Davis and Moore, how does stratification make sure the right people fill the right jobs?

   Model answer

   Davis and Moore argued some positions matter more to society and need scarce talent and long training. High pay and prestige draw the most able people into those positions.

5. 5

   Why, in Davis and Moore's view, do unequal rewards also improve how well people do their jobs?

   Model answer

   Davis and Moore argued the prospect of higher rewards motivates people to work hard once they hold a role. A surgeon who expects high pay has a strong reason to perform well.

6. 6

   What is a meritocracy, and why do functionalists link it to stratification?

   Model answer

   A meritocracy is a system where positions depend on ability and effort, not family background. Functionalists argue open competition makes stratification fair because the most able rise to the top.

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