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A2 Sociology

A2 Sociology . Theories of Inequality. What will you need to achieve on completion of this topic ? . You will need to be able to …. Identify and explain the key aspects of functionalist perspective on social inequality,

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A2 Sociology

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  1. A2 Sociology Theories of Inequality

  2. What will you need to achieve on completion of this topic ? • You will need to be able to …. • Identify and explain the key aspects of functionalist perspective on social inequality, • Identify and explain what causes inequality according to the functionalist perspective, • Identify and explain the strengths of the functionalist perspective on social inequality,

  3. Functionalism • Key theorist: • Durkheim (1858 – 1917), • Parsons (1902 – 1972), • Davis and Moore (1955), • Saunders (1996), • Hayek (1944)

  4. so what are the functionalist key ideas on social inequality? • Class stratification existed because it was functional or beneficial, • Modern societies are characterised by the occupational division of labour, • Focus on the concept of value consensus and societal agreement which reinforces the moral worth of society.

  5. KEY QUESTION? • DOES SOCIETY REQUIRE CERTAIN ROLES/POSITIONS?

  6. DURKHEIM (1858 – 1917) • Inequality and stratification is functional for society and a source of social order, • People in different jobs equate in social terms to the differing parts of the organism – reference to the concept of organic analogy, • Social inequality reinforces social cohesion as everyone works together based on their varied skills to benefit society,

  7. Davis and Moore (1955), • Argued that indeed social stratification has beneficial consequences for society as all societies share certain functional prerequisites that must be met if society is to survive. • What might be those functional prerequisites? • Social stratification = effective role allocation and performance, all roles must be filled by those best able to perform them, • Necessary training for jobs must be undertaken and roles performed well by those with the highest ability to do so, • Positions of high day-to-day responsibility are most functionally significant,

  8. Measurements of importance of positions • Degree to which a position is functionally unique - meaning no other position can perform that position/function satisfactorily, • Degree to which other positions are dependent on a particular position. • What are some of the most important and not important positions in society and why ?

  9. Education systems and the concept of meritocracy • Educational systems stratifies society by using the concept of meritocracy through rewarding - talent, and ability, • Educational has a functional role in the process of role allocation according to capacities and abilities, • Educational systems reward the most academically inclined with high qualifications/certification used to enter functionally most important occupations.

  10. Michael Carroll – the lotto lout • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnCne_4auO4&feature=watch_response

  11. PARSONS (1902 – 1972) • Believed order, stability, cooperation in society are based on value consensus, • Stratification systems derive from common values, • Rank in society will be based on successful performance in terms of society’s values, • Rewards based on such ranking.

  12. Parsons (1902 -1972) • Suggested that stratification is an inevitable part of human society, • General belief that stratification systems are just and right since they are an expression of shared values, • Western societies will display tendencies to arrogance on part of winners, and resentment on part of some losers, • Conflict kept in check by consensus value system that justifies unequal distribution of rewards.

  13. Brainstorm Today’s lesson/what you have learnt

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