Value consensus: As described by Parsons, society is founded on shared norms and values that create social cohesion. This shared agreement ensures that members accept social arrangements, including inequalities, as fair and legitimate.
Role allocation: According to Davis & Moore (1945), stratification serves a crucial function by ensuring that the most important roles in society are filled by the most qualified individuals. This process involves selecting and training individuals for specific roles, often requiring sacrifice and effort, to maintain social stability and efficiency.
Meritocracy: As noted by Saunders, meritocracy is a system in which individuals are rewarded based on their talent, effort, and achievement. In modern capitalist societies, this concept underpins the belief that social mobility and rewards are earned through merit rather than other factors.
1. What is a primary cause of inequality according to functionalist theory?
2. What is the primary function of the New Right's view on inequality?
3. In Marxist theory, what does surplus value refer to?
Functionalism — inequality justification?
Necessary for role allocation and social stability.
Davis & Moore — role?
Argued stratification ensures the most qualified fill important roles.
Meritocracy — definition?
System rewarding talent and effort, promoting social mobility.
Stratification — purpose?
Hierarchical arrangement motivating individuals and maintaining order.
Sacrifice for training — role?
Encourages effort to attain higher-status roles.
New Right — key concept?
Welfare dependency creates underclass; emphasizes individual responsibility.
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