Using an example of engineers vs. unskilled laborers at a factory, Tumin asserts that while the unskilled laborers might appear more dispensable, over time their functions are just as vital to the operation of the factory, reducing Davis and Moore's claim to a fantasy world removed from the realities of forward-moving time (Tumin, 1953). The main problem with such a justification, however, is that functional importance is determined by the society after stratification, and the system will necessarily uphold its already present system of stratification and assigned importance values, thus perpetuating the status quo regardless of societal benefit (Tumin, 1953). Tumin goes on to point out other flaws with the functional stratification theory, but the main flaw he sees is its perpetuation of the status quo without real consideration (Tumin, 1953). The theory of functional stratification is closely linked to that of meritocracy. John Andersen claims that meritocracy, a system whereby reward is based solely on performance, is an elusive aim of the functional stratification theory that is in fact totally unrelated to the growing power elite in the world...
Ostensibly, functional stratification operates as an automatic meritocracy, giving more rewards to those with more talent or more sacrifice in training. Tumin points out, however, that this "training" (in the form of higher education) most always comes at the expense of the parents, and thus seeing the rewards of better employment as payment for the student's sacrifice is untenable (Tumin, 1953). Andersen agrees, believing that the solidarity and protectionism of the elite classes has more to do with the way modern society is run than any system of meritocracy (Andersen, 1999).
Functionalist Theory: Critical Analysis A very basic and inadequate description of Functionalist Theory is that it is a social/anthropological theory that people within a society generally agree on what is worthwhile/good, and that this agreement or value forms the basis of cooperation, stability and order within that society. These values are stratified or ranked in society and allow the evaluation and ranking of individuals within society: people who are successful in
Sociological Class Theories - Bush In every society, people are grouped into a variety of categories in order to determine how they earn a living, and how much they earn that actually affects or is affected by the economy. This kind of social stratification is common in virtually all of modern societies, but social class theories can help explain or provide some insight as to why a certain economy works smoothly
Functionalist view role education Britain. Plan Introduction - write a paragraph explain answer question. You explain discussing Functionalist views role education describing evaluating views Durkheim Parsons. Sociology essay: Assess the functionalist view of the role of education in Britain How best to educate children is a constant source of national debate in Great Britain. Likewise, the question of the function or role of education in society is no less contentious amongst
When functionalists consider the preponderance of social deviance, they make a note of the positive role that inappropriate behavior plays in maintaining the health of a society. By soliciting outrage in others, a deviant can clarify and reinforce social norms while strengthening a group's sense of community togetherness (Harris, n.d.). The conflict perspective, which stemmed originally out of Karl Marx's writings on class struggles, presents society in a different light
Race Theory The issues of race and its ramifications are some of the most pressing issues facing American society today, and will continue to challenge us in the decades to come. Of course, issues of race and socio-economic stratification have always been of vast importance, but in America the problems are magnified since the country and its people pride themselves on being a true melting pot, and the reality does
Differentiate between race and ethnicity Race refers to the socially constructed physical, genetic characteristics of a person. Ethnicity refers to the group he or she identifies with in a cultural fashion. For example, a person may be Caucasian racially, but identify in terms of his or her ethnicity as an Italian-American -- versus his or her Irish-American friend who is also classified according in same 'racial' category. These identifications are not necessarily
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