Discuss theories of social stratification. The Conflict Theory takes a different view of society. (1984, p. 245) to look back at the stratification literature of the 1950s and 1960s and declare that ‘the opposition between theories which describe the social world in the language of stratification and those which speak the language of class struggle corresponds to two ways of seeing the social world.’ Some critics like Tumin criticise the functionalist theory of Davis and Moore on following grounds: 1. Such persons get higher rewards and positions. Q: Compare and Contrast Marxist and Weberian Theories of Stratification. The concept of social stratification serves as one of the central in sociology. Do you agree with Davis and Moore? Some people buy expensive trendy sneakers even though they will never wear them to jog or play sports. Sociology 1983 17: 2, 234-254 Download Citation. Consequently, Marx's theory is relevant to societies of the mid-nineteenth century, whereas the theory of Weber is relevant to the modern societies. Max Weber on Social Stratification . Does social stratification play an important function in society? Stratification majorly involves two kind of system in which they take place:-Open System; It is a system in which stratification is done based on merit. Higher rewards and incentives for higher roles and position have to be ensured. Every element has a function in society. The built-in system of social stratification groups people together. The three-component theory of stratification, more widely known as Weberian stratification or the three class system, was developed by German sociologist Max Weber with class, status and power as distinct ideal types. For instance, to a conflict theorist, it seems wrong that a basketball player is paid millions for an annual contract while a public school teacher earns $35,000 a year. They argue that the existence of social inequality is virtually there in all societies. In a sense it is a labor market model analyzing the supply and demand of labor as it relates to rewards for labor. Symbolic interactionists also note that people’s appearance reflects their perceived social standing. Because of these limitations, Marxist theory of stratification fails to carry weight with sociologists, particularly with Western sociologists. The class occupied by the specific family in society defines the reputation in the entire society. The founders of sociology—including Weber—thought that the United States, unlike Europe, was a classless society with a high degree of upward mobility. Weber’s ideas of stratification have very heavy influence in the way in which social class is determined today. Marx saw workers experience deep alienation, isolation and misery resulting from powerless status levels (Marx 1848). Proletariats were the workers who performed the manual labor to produce goods. http://www.forbes.com/profile/kobe-bryant/, http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/, http://cnx.org/contents/02040312-72c8-441e-a685-20e9333f3e1d/Introduction_to_Sociology_2e, Understand and apply functionalist, conflict theory, and interactionist perspectives on social stratification. Knowledge and responsibility are distributed unequally in the society. 8.5 . As a result a conflict of interest and class struggle between the two classes emerges and continues to characterize the society. Davis-Moore Theory of Social Stratification 3.5.1. The ruling class exploits the subject class. (Photo courtesy of Brian Stansberry/Wikimedia Commons). Functional Necessity of Stratification 3.6. Conflict theorists are deeply critical of social stratification, asserting that it benefits only some people, not all of society. (a) A group of construction workers on the job site, and (b) a group of businessmen. The cashier position does not require the same skill and training level as firefighting. The approval that attaches to position and not to the degree of faithfulness in performing its duties is called prestige. They approach the problem of social inequality from the functionalist perspective and generally follow Talcott Parsons. Tumin believed social stratification prevented qualified people from attempting to fill roles (Tumin 1953). Thus in their functionalist theory of social stratification, Davis and Moore advocate that; (1) Social stratification is a functional necessity for each society. Before publishing your Essay on this site, please read the following pages: 1. In the United States, it is perfectly clear […] Talcott Parsons upholds that stratification is inevitable in human interactions. His theory of stratification is based on the following assumptions: (1) Power and prestige differentials are essential for the coordi­nation and integration of a specialised division of labour. 2. “Some Principles of Stratification: A Critical Analysis.” American Sociological Review 18(4):387–394. The functionalist theory, in particular the discussions of different rewards system in our society and moral evaluations are applied in … Theories of social class and social stratification developed by Karl Marx and Max Weber focus on class divisions, types of labor, and distribution of power in society. Let’s examine some of the theories surrounding this concept. Other work, like designing a highway system or delivering a baby, requires immense skill. Browse our library and start downloading now! Weber gives a three dimensional model of stratification in terms of Class, Status and Party. Stratification, conflict theorists believe, perpetuates inequality. two theories, the functionalist perspective of social stratification and Max Weber’s perspective of rationalisation and life chances. Retrieved January 9, 2012 (http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/). 5. First, we’ll go over modernization theory and Walt Rostow’s Four Stages of Modernization. the owners or the Haves accumulate wealth at the expense of workers/have-nots. Evaluate sociological theories of social stratification through an analysis of contrasting systems of stratification Gender stratification models Measurement Scales Hope-Goldthorpe (1971): Strengths: Calculated based on market/work situation Objective - market situation, income, The thesis also does not explain inequalities in the education system or inequalities due to race or gender. Weber examined how many members of the aristocracy lacked economic wealth, yet had strong political power. Social stratification is integrative because it reflects the values held in common by the members. Their can be other ways, other than inequality, for motivating people to fill important and difficult positions without inequality. 4 Most Important Theories of “Social Stratification” I. Marxian Theory of Social Stratification:. We will also argue about the theories that have been used in this discipline in order to determine the causes of stress and diseases. (iv) In order to encourage persons to willingly make these sacrifices and acquire training, their future positions must carry good and encouraging rewards and values. The more vital a position is for the functioning of society, the higher are the rewards attached to that position. Summing Up 3.9. (A) Weber’s View of Class: Weber’s concept of class is […] (iii) The need for conversion of talents into skills requires training during which sacrifices of one kind or another are essentially made by those undergoing the training. All such social theorists who accept the existing social order are... III. Thus stratification occurs in the society which also gives rise to conflict between these two classes. Working half a century later than Marx, Weber derived many of his key concepts on social stratification by examining the social structure of Germany. Further Tumin levels the charge that the functionalist theory applies to a competitive society and not to an ascriptive society. Conflict theorists observe that stratification promotes inequality, such as between rich business owners and poor workers. If pay levels were the same, the firefighter might as well work as a grocery store cashier. In sociology, the functionalist perspective examines how society’s parts operate. This website includes study notes, research papers, essays, articles and other allied information submitted by visitors like YOU. According to Davis and Moore, a firefighter’s job is more important than, for instance, a grocery store cashier’s. Student “Haves” and “Have-Nots” in Higher Education. Davis and Moore are concerned more with differential positions and less with the mechanism for recruitment. Further, Moore asserts that it must be remembered that fairness is not the same as equality. Theories of Social Stratification. Every functioning social structure is based on a set of accepted values of its members. Kobe Bryant, a Lakers shooting guard, is one of the highest paid athletes in the NBA, earning around $30.5 million a year (Forbes 2014). Hence Social stratification is a functional quality and need of every society. To do this effectively this essay must explain and consider the main features, claims and perspectives of both Karl Marx and Max Weber. Different views of the functionalist theory of social stratification. Marxian theory is guilty of ignoring the presence of several other social classes in society. They place stress on “order within a society” as well as the process by which the “order is maintained”. 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